NEW YORK, NY (Verve
Music Group) - On Tuesday, May 2, 2006,
Verve Records will release "
Distractions" and "Nothing Serious," two new recordings from Roy Hargrove. The simultaneous releases are attributed to The RH Factor and The Roy Hargrove Quintet, respectively showcasing two aspects of the trumpeter/composer's musical diversity.
With "Distractions" and "Nothing Serious," Hargrove showcases two of his touring groups presenting his vast affinity for music of many genres and styles. The RH Factor is his neo-soul/jazz fusion outfit which made its debut with 2003's groundbreaking record, the internationally successful "Hard Groove." The Roy Hargrove Quintet is a hard-bop/pure, straight ahead jazz group which has continued to tour as Hargrove experiments with different sounds. Fans will be pleased to hear a new straight jazz record from Hargrove; it's his first in over 10 years.
"Distractions" is jam-packed with new jams from The RH Factor. From the old-school vibe of "Crazy Race" to the down-and-dirty instrumental "Kansas City Funk," this much-anticipated disc grooves with an organic funk/soul sound. It is yet another world that Hargrove lives in comfortably, and he once again shows off his talents as a composer. He wrote or co-wrote nearly all of "Distractions'" nine compositions including "Can't Stop" and the title track, an extended jam captured here in four parts. (Hargrove wrote most of the horn arrangements on both discs.)
Vocalist Renee Neufville (formerly of the R&B duo Zhané) is also featured throughout "Distractions" as a singer, keyboardist, and songwriter. Her "On the One" is a magical retro tour and the ultra-funky "Hold On" (co-written with Hargrove) is a pure taste of P-Funk delight. Hargrove again calls in friend and collaborator D'Angelo for this RH Factor outing. The R&B star wrote, produced, and sings the track "Bull****," which also features backing vocals by Hargrove.
The largesse of sound created by the RH Factor comes from the band's lineup of two drummers (Willie Jones III and Jason "JT" Thomas), two bass players (Lenny Stalworth and Reggie Washington), one guitar player (Todd Parsnow), three keyboard players (Charles McCambell, Bobby Sparks and Neufville), and two saxophone players (Keith Anderson and special guest David "Fathead" Newman). Hargrove plays both trumpet and flugelhorn here.
The RH Factor's "Distractions" was produced by Hargrove and engineered and mixed by Russell "The Dragon" Elevado.
Also available on May 2nd is "Nothing Serious," a new disc of Hargrove doing his straight jazz thing. For this album, The Roy Hargrove Quintet consists of Hargrove on trumpet, Ronnie Matthews on piano, Dwayne Burno on bass, Willie Jones III on drums, and Justin Robinson (alto saxophone and flute).
The Quintet recording kicks off with Leo Quintero's sizzling title track and the upbeat tempo continues throughout with such songs as Burno's "Devil Eyes" and Matthews' driving "Salima's Dance." Hargrove shares the composing duties with his beautiful "Trust," the fiery "Camaraderie," and the multi-textured "The Gift."
The works showcase a tight yet fluid jazz quintet and Hargrove's impeccable playing. Legendary trombonist Slide Hampton appears on three of the disc's tracks including his composition "A Day in Vienna" which he also arranged.
"Nothing Serious" was produced by Hargrove and Larry Clothier and was engineered and mixed by 15-time GRAMMY-winner Al Schmitt.
Hargrove will continue to perform and tour with both groups following the dual releases of "Distractions" and "Nothing Serious." For dates and more information, visit www.ververecords.com.
