SAVANA FUNK comprises Aldo Betto, Blake Franchetto, and Youssef Ait Bouazza (respectively from Italy, England, and Morocco). The three first met in the spring of 2015 in Bologna, Italy and it became immediately apparent to them that they shared a special bond on an emotional and musical level. Together they create music that mixes African music, funk, blues, psychedelic rock, and jazz influences. In 2018 they officially adopted the name SAVANA FUNK and are now releasing a two-song EP called Barà Tounkarankè / Mba. The two tracks are fronted by vocalist Kadi Coulibaly with added keyboards added by Nicola Peruch, and Kalifa Kone adds [...]
Jerry Cortez is a guitarist and vocalist that has played on a plethora of sessions and toured and recorded with artists like Tom Johnston, Jessie Colin Young, Buddy Miles, Alex Ligertwood, and many others. Cortez is the current guitarist and vocalist with Tower Of Power, where he adds his funky rhythm style and blazing leads. Cortez is now releasing a Christmas album titled, On Christmas Day, which is a soothing collection of acoustic guitar instrumental music.
“Silver Bells” is performed on a steel-strung acoustic guitar. The melody is presented in a lush solo guitar setting with a touch of country swing. Cortez does a beautiful job of [...]
Joel Ross is a vibraphonist and composer that hit the jazz scene with his Blue Note debut KingMaker. The album introduced his longstanding ensemble Good Vibes. Now, Ross is expanding his catalog and sound with his second release, Who Are You? Ross says this, “This record is a culmination of our maturing – as people, as a band, within the music – it’s about figuring out who we are.” Who Are You? features Good Vibes members Jeremy Corren on piano, Immanuel Wilkins on alto saxophone, and Jeremy Dutton on drums, and introduces Kanoa Mendenhall on bass. Guest artist Brandee Younger is featured on harp on five of the album’s fifteen [...]
Paula Atherton has been consistently building a career filled with credible heights. With each new CD’s release in her discography, she creates a nascent reputation as one of the leading saxophonists, vocalists, and songwriters in the smooth-jazz idiom. Her credits are impressive and include a cavalcade of luminary collaborations and chart-topping singles. Her single, the title track off her sixth album, Can You Feel It, has already garnered a #1 hit for three weeks in a row, proving it’s not a fluke on Billboard. With additional #1 slots on as of April 4th, 2020, “Can You Feel It” hit #1 on Mediabase and #1 on the Smooth Jazz Network for 4 weeks. The single was produced by Greg [...]
