“African Skies” by Joel Holmes (Jazz Artist from Maryland(MD))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Joel Holmes with a GrIndie Award for their CD "African Skies"

 

"African Skies" is a traditional jazz album with elements of world fusion from an extremely talented jazz pianist in Joel Holmes. Holmes collaborated with a number of skilled jazz musicians to create this album, including jazz legend Gary Thomas on saxophone and flute, outstanding Cuban percussionist Melena and the Emerald East String Quartet. The resulting arrangements are solid, all out jams. Many of the tracks on "African Skies" follow the traditional jazz sound reminiscent of Herbie Hancock, while others are in the world fusion realm, combining jazz piano with either African drums, or a string quartet to create a unique jazz fusion sound. The album and song titles suggest an element of spirituality and Holmes' compositions follow this concept nicely, making the entire album something of a journey. "African Skies" is also well-produced, with every element of each arrangement brought to life and failing to disappoint. "Impressions take 1" begins with an insane piano progression by Holmes that immediately puts him up there with great jazz pianists like Thelonious Monk and Oscar Peterson. Enjoy this one as it unfolds unfolds into a great traditional jazz number. "Chinese fishing song" features the Emerald East String Quartet, with a soaring violin coupled with Holmes on the piano, creating a unique jazz fusion sound. Gary Thomas carries "African Skies" and "Fatima" with sax and flute solos, respectively. "African Skies" is truly an original album that any jazz and jazz fusion fan should add to their collection.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Joel Holmes's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Soul Groove" by Kyle Wolverton (Jazz Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Kyle Wolverton with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Soul Groove"

 

"Soul Groove" is the saxophone led contemporary smooth jazz solo debut from Kyle Wolverton. Primarily an instrumental album, Wolverton drives this record with his outstanding sax skills and creates a unique sound by combining the smooth jazz sound with the heavy influence of the R&B and gospel genres. "Soul Groove" is filled with saxophone led melodies that show Wolverton's mastery and control of all three genres. Four of the songs include vocal stylings which feature various Los Angeles based artists. These songs are crafted in a smooth R&B style and are reminiscent of Keith Sweat and Luther Vandross. The album is well-produced and gives each song that polished quality smooth jazz albums typically require. The title track, "Soul Groove," fuses together R&B and smooth jazz and gives a flush song that brings about the likeness of Marvin Gay and Kenny G. "On The Brink" departs from the saxophone sound and incorporates acoustic guitar, drums, and hand claps in its stead, resulting in a strong, gospel-inspired vocal performance from Wolverton. Overall, "Soul Groove" is an impressive solo debut from Wolverton that shows his vocal and musical talents, as well as his ability to creatively control the sound. Fans of R&B and saxophone-driven smooth jazz should check out this album.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Kyle Wolverton's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Kogutud Rikkus/Collected Riches" by Tanel Ruben (Jazz Artist from Estonia)

RadioIndy is pleased to present Tanel Ruben with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Kogutud Rikkus/Collected Riches"

 

"Kogutud Rikkus/Collected Riches" is an avant garde, free-form jazz album from talented jazz drummer Tanel Ruben. Ruben is a master of experimentation, an explorer of styles, and brings you the result of his exploration with this album. The songs are all unique and feature a healthy lineup of musicians that varies depending on the instrumental makeup of each track. Even with the variance from song to song, each song remains deeply rooted in the broad jazz genre, so you still feel a sense of continuity throughout. The arrangements are all solid, with interesting layers and nuances. And the sound quality is great, so you can break out the headphones with this one. Highlights include the opener, "So Long," a dirty track with unconventional progressions, odd changes, and great creative choices. The title track, "Kotugud Rikkus," is a smooth lounge number with a sultry female vocal. "Snake Song" features strange and quirky electronic elements and another fine arrangement. An album like "Kogutud Rikkus/Collected Riches" is a tough thing to accomplish, and Ruben does it well, with great arrangements centered around his talent as a jazz drummer and as a jazz composer. If you enjoy cutting edge, experimental jazz, pick up "Kogutud Rikkus/Collected Riches."

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Tanel Ruben's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Vegas Suite" by Frank Fabio (Jazz Artist from Nevada(NV))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Frank Fabio with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Vegas Suite"

 

"Vegas Suite" is a funky smooth jazz album that features fantastic guitar and bass work from multiinstrumentalist Frank Fabio. The album as a whole is very upbeat and refreshing with catchy, well layered, and diverse arrangements. Fabio is a pro at feeling out the different energies in his work, and he definitely puts his veteran skills on display with this album. The cornerstone of any instrumental album is the ability to tell a story without the addition of lyrics, and Fabio very much succeeds at that with "Vegas Suite." Fabio is also a great musician, both on bass and guitar, and has a full understanding of music. Highlights include "Love Is," a perfect example of instrumental storytelling that almost paints a picture of love in your mind. "Yes and No" is a wonderfully erratic number that showcases Frank's ability as a bassist and features some excellent piano and drum work as well. "Battleboy" is a loungy number with a house beat and relaxing atmospheric elements. "Vegas Suite" is an impressive album from Frank Fabio that showcases his talents both as a multiinstrumentalist and as a musical storyteller. If you enjoy listening to stylistic, musically diverse jazz artists, give this album a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out frank fabio 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Ropatt IV" by Ropatt (Jazz Artist from California(CA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Ropatt with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Ropatt IV"

 

"Ropatt IV" by Ropatt is an instrumental jazz-pop album full of catchy arrangements and airy smoothness. The first thing you will notice with this act is their advanced level of writing; the songs are intricately layered but remain listenable at the same time. The progressions are well thought out and allow Ropatt to create a nice array of sounds. Variety is another big element of "Ropatt IV" as the vibe switches between relaxed and upbeat throughout the album, sometimes mixing the two. It is well-produced and well-mixed, allowing you to hear the big sound that Ropatt has created. "Slam Dunk" is an awakening opener with a larger than life intro that gives you a first glimpse at the talents of the artist and a nice transition into a funked-out musical journey. "Pumpin' In Palm Springs" features some urban beats, but the real story with this song is melody and flow. "Fundamentals" is another smooth number with nice melody and great complimentary elements. "Ropatt IV" is a thorough and impressive musical feat with intelligently written songs and a great overall smooth sound. If you enjoy smooth jazz with an urban touch, give Ropatt IV a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Ropatt's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites