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Welcome to Prime Spins … in our fast paced society we unfortunately get sidetracked and miss out on the opportunity too listen to the abundance of talented voices that's available particularly in the jazz arena. We realize now, more than ever the enormity in this musical landscape. As content providers we’re here with open minds to listen, and extend our arms with great passion to embrace these fresh and distinctive artists.
Maysa
"Sweet Classic Soul"
[Shanachie, 2006]
Reviewed by Rob Young
Date: Feb, 2006 [10 Tracks 50:43 Total Spin Time]
“At age six, Billy Childs was enrolled in piano lessons by his parents and developed rapidly; by age sixteen he entered the Community School of the Performing Arts, a preparatory music program sponsored by the University of Southern California.”
From a music lover’s point of view I don't spend much time focusing on award shows per say, with that said. Being somewhat familiar with the many challenges artist face in today’s jazz landscape I couldn’t help but be impacted by the voice of critically acclaimed pianist, composer and arranger Billy Childs recent accomplishments. On four different occasions, Childs has been nominated for Grammies dating back to 1996 and 97 and most recently his fifth nomination for his most provocative masterpiece to date titled “Jazz Chamber Music Vol-1 Lyric.”
I vividly remember hearing Childs play as a sideman post “Take for Example, This” on his Windhamhill Jazz debut 1988! Of course after becoming acquainted with his debut, I couldn’t help but gain deep admiration his music, his ability as composer, arranger and player! Billy has respectfully garnered a remarkable reputation as a player’s player over the years and justifiably so.
The artists behind the voice of Maysa ...
- Larry Koonse ~ acoustic guitars & nylon strings
- Bob Sheppard ~ soprano, alto sax, alto flute & Bb clarinet
- Carol Robbins ~ harp
- Scott Colley ~ acoustic bass on trks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8
- Brian Blade ~ drums on trks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Jimmy Johnson ~ electric bass on trks 3, 7, 9
- Marvin "Smitty" Smith ~ drums trks 3, 9
Visit, Maysa web space:
Maysa Leak Music
Listen & Purchase: CDUniverse.com
Ragan Whiteside
"Funkuation"
[© 2005 RawOne Music]
Reviewed by Rob Young
Date: Feb, 2006 [10 Tracks 46:05 Total Spin Time]
“Originally classically trained flutist/vocalist Ragan Whiteside is influenced by the musical stylings of Bobbi Humphrey, Hubert Laws, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, and Earth, Wind & Fire, Ragan offers songs to ease your mind and calm your soul.
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Most recently flutist, vocalist and Mt. Vernon, NY native Ragan Whiteside came to my attention via my mailbox. As I browse through her mediakit I discovered keyboardist and producer of the project Bob Baldwin is on hand to add his touch to the session on Ms. Whiteside’s 10-track debut titled “Funktuation.” Ragan’s tastes for hybrid music mix stems from her eclectic passion for contemporaryjazz, classical and the soulful qualities of Neo-Soul should appeal to a variety of music lovers.
The smoothest of Ragan's instrumental voice is simtulating, her cool and soulful vibes are indeed the flavor that sets the pace from the inception on the title track “Funktuation.” At a glance, you immediately hear the lyrical phrasings of Bobbi Humphrey oozing thru the collective soul of Ragan Whiteside. Her contributions as a composer to Baldwin's "The American Spirit and Brown Sugar" recordings is evident throughout the project! With each track, the pulsating grooves on "Funktuation" are layered with enriched textures of urban jazz. Sonically, her vibe is tight, she's on point as her voice resonates with unexpected splendor. Ms. Whiteside’s anointed voice accentuates each note with crisp provocative shapes, melodies and colors.
If you dig the hippness of contemporaryjazz fused with lyrically fresh and sexy vibes of Neo-Soul on the smooth tip. Then the marriage of these flavorful ingredients coupled with the voice of Ragan Whiteside’s flute and vocals will without a doubt satisfy your discriminating taste for the deliciously soulful music of “Funktuation.”
The artists behind the lyrical voice of Ragan Whiteside ...
- Bob Baldwin ~ keyboards and production
- Dennis Johnson
Visit, Ragan Whiteside web space:
Ragan Whiteside Music
Listen & Purchase: CDBaby.com
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