New York, NY. (Blue Note Records) - Jacky Terrasson: After a brief hiatus Terrasson will record his next effort for Blue Note beginning December 12th. For the first time ever, Jacky will document a solo piano recording that will include a range of repertoire from standards to new originals. Terrasson is recording at Right Track studios in NYC with engineer Joe Ferla.
Kenny Burrell: The guitar legend and Blue Note alum spent the last week of July at Yoshi's Club in Oakland, CA celebrating his 75th birthday and Blue Note was there to record it. The stint featured Kenny's working band with special guests Hubert Laws on flute and Joey DeFrancesco on B-3 organ. The last night of the week featured Burrell with the Gerald Wilson Big Band. The material will be mixed and mastered come January.
Ramsey Lewis: Will record his Blue Note debut and first ever solo piano album this February in Chicago. The program will combine the jazz, soul, gospel and classical sensibilities from the consummate pianist and will feature a wide range of repertoire. Included will be John Coltrane's 'Dear Lord', Benny Golson's 'Classical Dreams', and an African folk hymn by Ramsey, along with pieces that Lewis was commissioned to write for the Joffrey Ballet which will premiere at Ravinia on June 22nd.
Al Green: Was in the studio in New York City this past October beginning an exciting new album for Blue Note. The conceptualization for the record is a fresh take on vintage soul. A bridge between the legendary soul man's classic stylings and the sounds of today's R&B and hip hop is being facilitated by drummer/producer Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson of The Roots and keyboardist James Poyser who has produced Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton and many others. The crew will also be joined by the Al Green of this generation, D'Angelo, and other very special duet partners to be announced soon.
Suzanne Vega: One of the most distinctive & successful female singer/songwriters of the past 20 years, Suzanne Vega was in the studio last month recording her Blue Note debut. Since her last album was released in 2001, Vega has been writing new material in her signature style of poetry meets pop. There is an intriguing theme of New York City interwoven into many of the new songs and the album will feature her folk aesthetics along with string orchestrations and electronic beats on certain tracks. The album is being produced by Jimmy Hogarth, the talented uk-based upstart who has recently helmed recordings for Sia, James Blunt, Corinne Bailey Rae & KT Tunstall. They resume recording and mixing in London in the New Year.
Jeff Golub (Narada Jazz): The Rod Stewart alum and tasty guitarist is putting the finishing touch on his latest installment for Narada Jazz. The album features a diversity of sounds and styles from Golub's pen along with some classic covers including Sly Stone's 'If You Want Me To Stay', The Four Tops 'Ain't No Woman' which was produced by Rick Braun & features Richard Elliot on sax and The Beatles 'Something' produced by Paul Brown. Golub mastered the album last week.
Jeff Lorber (Narada Jazz) - He is almost finished with the mixing stage of a truly all-star album produced by Bobby Colomby, the Blood Sweat and Tears founder who has produced everyone from Jaco Pastorius to Chris Botti. The versatile keyboardist is joined by a diverse cast of musicians including Botti & Randy Brecker on trumpet, Tom Scott, Gerald Albright & Kirk Whalum on saxophone, Hubert Laws on flute, Russell Malone on guitar and the Blood Sweat & Tears horns. Also, featured are Paula Cole & Eric Benet on a soulful duet ala Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell and Benet also lends his silky smooth stylings to a cover of Bill Wither's classic 'Grandma's Hands'. Lorber will master the album this week.
Euge Groove (Narada Jazz): Euge Groove has begun working in Los Angeles on his next studio effort for Narada Jazz. The saxophone alumnus of artists ranging from Tower Of Power to Richard Marx to Tina Turner is producing his next set of funky tracks with the assistance of producer Paul Brown...more info to come.
Acoustic Alchemy (Narada Jazz): The UK-based smooth jazz/new age guitar duo of Greg Carmichael & Miles Gilderdale are in the studio working on their follow up to the successful 'American/English' album. Special guests include Rick Braun and Narada-label mate Down To The Bone. The group is in full gear recording overseas and will master the new album at the end of January.
