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ARTISTS

Jazz Is Dead

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CONTACTS

Label Publicist:
Maureen McFadden

Publicists:
Don Lucoff
Nuria Hunter

Music exists in movement and change, but before any part of it can be pinned down for analysis, it has often moved and taken on a new face. The transformation is often driven by culture as forward-thinking people avoid the proverbial paths in search of revolution. Even though our pioneers prophesized that the revolution would not be televised, the message has permeated. It’s spreading like wildfire and leaders are defined by those that speak first: Jazz Is Dead.

The pluralism behind the mutiny is stark, but the reality is trapped in the eyes of us that fleeted the scene years ago.  With Jazz Is Dead, a new musical denomination is born, reversing the damage done to the genre. Yes, jazz speaks to all, but the message was no longer being recorded with reverence to the processes of the past; the dissonance of our movement is serving as the undertow for change. As the current becomes stronger, it’s moving in the opposite direction of that on the surface. Jazz, and the presentation of our culture has a new face: Jazz Is Dead.

This movement expresses no simple associative information. In fact, most people would contend that its blasphemous nature epitomizes the disconnect between young and old, but it’s actually the opposite.  For years, Jazz Is Dead concerts have epitomized a demographic connection as the average age is widespread. Nevertheless, it’s expected because people are viscerally attracted to the ethos behind musical revolution; especially those that embrace art and heritage fiercely and with pride.  This is aural transmission and the message is boldly understood.  Our musical heroes are touring and recording on new music for Jazz Is Dead.  This synergy couldn’t have come at a better time.  Jazz icons are connecting with new audiences, something most thought impossible; thousands of fans are traveling for Jazz Is Dead concerts, domestically and internationally. The mood is often palpable as fans are seen crying out in awe of what is being created for a forgotten language: Jazz Is Dead.

Music is the universal language and we are the interpreter of sound, a message that has been lost in transcription. Under Jazz Is Dead, younger artists are elaborating upon conversations started decades ago; jazz icons are utilizing vintage equipment to create new masters with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad; the same equipment that recorded their coveted catalogs. The vitality embedded in the new masters epitomizes our quest for new life in music:  Jazz Is Dead.

The addition of harmonics to the fundamental tone is what makes any voice or instrument sound good; the insurgence of spirit and vitality to a dead language revitalizes it’s meaning for the future.  Any disturbance of regularities acts as tension: tensions to the dimension of jazz.  Any syncopation against innocuous rhythms changes the minds and heartbeats of all.  These are metronome markings that make some uncomfortable but beats that keep us going.  With impeccable concert programming, breathtaking recordings and unflinching perspective, we can feel the pulse.  The power of sound is captivating, and the movement needs no further exegesis: Jazz Is Dead.

“What is Jazz in 2020? I can answer that this way: jazz artists have not only been an inspiration that has shaped my development as a musician, but their music is deeply rooted into the foundation of the Hip-Hop culture,” says Ali Shaheed Muhammad. “We have risen because their head nodding beats, lush chord progressions, soul ripping melodies and bellowing basslines have given us a musical back beat to poetically flow on until the break of dawn. To me, it’s all freedom music and Jazz Is Dead is motivating a movement.”

The inaugural release of Jazz Is Dead is a futuristic nod to the past: a dream come true for two producers that started their careers DJing and sampling some of the greatest jazz icons. “It’s surreal to be in the studio with cats ranging from Marcos Valle to Roy Ayers. The stories, the music and the experience are something Jazz Is Dead wants to share with the world,” states Adrian Younge. With 7 albums slated to release this year, the compilation provides a sneak peek into the full-length albums coming soon.

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  • Eddie Henderson | “Witness to History” - Trumpet Legend Eddie Henderson Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of His Debut Album with a Stunning New Recording Reflecting on His Musical Evolution Witness To History, Available Today via Smoke Sessions Records, Features Pianist George Cables, Saxophonist Donald Harrison, Bassist Gerald Cannon and Drummers Lenny White and Mike Clark “For all his accomplishments, Eddie Henderson is a…
  • Steve Davis | “Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Volume 1” - Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Volume 1  Features the Legendary Pianist in One of His Final Recordings with Trombonist Steve Davis and Bassist Peter Washington This Poetic and Interactive Session is Due Out November 24 via Smoke Sessions Records Limited Pressing of 500 Vinyl Copies Worldwide Available on All Digital Platforms In June 2008, trombonist Steve Davis, pianist Hank…
  • Lisa Hilton | “Coincidental Moment” - The Lisa Hilton Quartet Masters the Moment With the Eloquent New Release,  Coincidental Moment Featuring Trumpeter Igmar Thomas, Bassist Luques Curtis and Drummer/Percussionist Rudy Royston Available December 1 via Ruby Slipper Productions “Reminiscent of many reflective moments intuited by such influences as Dave Brubeck, Brad Mehldau and Bill Evans.” — All About Jazz “Hilton channels the everyday beauty…
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  • Jeff Babko, Tim Lefebvre & Mark Guiliana | “Clam City” - Keyboardist Jeff Babko, Bassist Tim Lefebvre and Drummer Mark Guiliana Converge to Capture Unpredictable Magic on Clam City, Recorded Live at the LA Jazz Venue Sam First Available on Vinyl and Digital Platforms on Sam First Records on November 10 “Clam City only exists because Tim Lefebvre and Mark Guiliana are who they are.” — Jeff Babko When three…
  • Terell Stafford | “Between Two Worlds” - Trumpeter/Composer Terell Stafford Explores the Balance of Personal and Musical Life in His Spirited New Album, Between Two Worlds The Album Features a Stellar All-Star Band With Tim Warfield, Bruce Barth, David Wong, Johnathan Blake and Alex Acuña Available Today via Le Coq Records Stafford Celebrates the Release of Between Both Worlds at SOUTH Jazz Kitchen, Philadelphia…
  • John Scofield | “Uncle John’s Band” - Guitarist John Scofield is at His Most Freewheeling on Uncle John’s Band The Double Album Includes Songs by The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Miles Davis, Leonard Bernstein and More Scofield’s Far-Reaching Original Compositions are Swing, Funk and Folk-Inflected Featuring Bassist Vicente Archer and Drummer Bill Stewart Available October 13 via ECM Named for…
  • Bill Cunliffe | “Rainforests” - Jazz Pianist, Composer and Grammy Award-Winning Arranger Bill Cunliffe’s Three-Part Composition Rainforests Celebrates the Tropical Mangroves Performed by the Temple University Studio Orchestra with Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Tim Warfield, Bruce Barth, Mike Boone and Justin Faulkner Conducted by José Luis Domínguez Available on Digital Platforms on September 8 via BCM+D Records While jazz pianist, composer…
  • Vince Guaraldi | “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” - In Celebration of its 50th Anniversary, Lee Mendelson Film Productions Announces the Limited Release of Vince Guaraldi’s Soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for the First Time Ever Featuring Many Previously Unreleased Recordings from the Vince Guaraldi Quintet Available October 20 on LP, CD and Digital “The score for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving works to great effect due,…
  • Rachel Eckroth | “Humanoid” - Pianist/Composer Rachel Eckroth Releases Humanoid, a Departure From Her Previous Works Recorded Live at the LA Jazz Club Sam First, the Album Features Bassist Billy Mohler, Guitarist Andrew Renfroe and Drummer Tina Raymond Eckroth Celebrates Her Birthday with the Digital Release of Humanoid on August 25 Vinyl Available October 6 via Sam First Records Album-Release Show at Sam First…