Thanks for Stopping by the NewUrbanJazz Lounge Blog

The Roy Ayers Project Documentary

2011-12-04T16:58:00.001-08:00

By John Hilderbrand on Mar 21, 2011 in acid jazz, roy ayers

The Roy Ayers Project is first and foremost a documentary, produced by digital media professionals, telling the life, music, and philosophy of the great Roy Ayers. It is also art, talented artists who use their gifts to express themselves through canvas, murals, and other mediums capturing the spirit of Roy Ayers. It is also performance, bringing together Roy Ayers himself with talented musicians to perform live at venues across the country. The Roy Ayers Project is about sharing the essence and legacy of one of the greatest musicians ever to live. This trailer is the first installment of the documentary, which features the legendary drummer from The Roots, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.

Keep track of this must-see project on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Web.

Mint Condition's Lead Singer Stokley Williams Receives 2 Grammy Nominations!

2011-12-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

Mint Condition's Lead Singer Stokley Williams Receives 2 Grammy Nominations!

New York, NY December 2, 2011—Fresh from the accolades of his exciting musical performance during the ‘Shining Star/Earth, Wind & Fire’ Tribute at last month’s 2011 Soul Train Awards, STOKLEY WILLIAMS, long recognized as the talented lead vocalist of successful R&B Band, MINT CONDITION, has garnered two nominations for this year’s Grammy Awards that includes Best R&B Performance and Best R& B Song for “Not My Daddy” with KELLY PRICE.

The Grammy nominated song, “Not My Daddy”, appears on the band’s seventh studio album, aptly titled 7 and sounds like vintage Mint Condition.

Al Manerson of Red Velvet Inc and Manger of Mint Condition says, “This is indeed Mint Condition’s time and all their creative moving internal parts this camp deserves . We all are excited about the nomination!”

Nu Jazz from Fujimoto Tetsuro

2011-10-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

Nu Jazz from Fujimoto Tetsuro

Check out the nu-jazz/acid jazz feel of the track “Swim” by Fujimoto Tetsuro. It’s from the producer’s new EP "Reflections", which I found in Amazon’s MP3 Store (it’s not on iTunes).

New Disc Coming by Nicole Henry (Japan)

2011-10-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

Vocalist Nicole Henry is Set to Release Holiday Album, "Set For The Season: Live In Japan"

Oh night divine!

The Urban Music Scene Reports:

Song stylist Nicole Henry’s Set For The Season: Live In Japan is a year-round delight

Miami, FL (17 October 2011): Only a couple of months after releasing her critically-acclaimed Embraceable CD, song stylist Nicole Henry keeps the momentum rolling with a joyous jazz collection of holiday-themed classics that were recorded live at the Cotton Club in Tokyo. Set For The Season: Live In Japan, produced by Henry and Grammy nominee Matt Pierson (Kirk Whalum, Jane Monheit, Joshua Redman), will be released October 25th on Henry’s Banister Records. info

Hot Brazilian Programming by Connect Brazil

2011-09-18T18:43:00.001-07:00

Now Playing: Singer Rosa Passos, Q meets Austin in the Lounge 24/7 webcast all week long at http://www.connectbrazil.com/. Enjoy!

Poncho Sanchez and Terence Blanchard Jr. Pays Trib's.....

2011-09-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

On September 27, 2011, Conguero Poncho Sanchez and Trumpeter Terence Blanchard Pay Tribute To Legends of Latin Jazz!

Reported by the Urban Music Scene, thanks to Terrill Hanna.

Ramsey Lewis Releases 80th Recording!

2011-09-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

John Hilderbrand at ContemporaryJazz.com

Ramsey Lewis has pulled out his Fender Rhodes and enlisted his Electric Band for his 80th recording. Ramsey, Taking Another Look features Lewis’ favorite tunes including a new edit of the original “Sun Goddess” recording featuring Earth, Wind & Fire and a new rendition of the Stevie Wonder penned “Living for the City”. After headlining <<more >>

Keiko Matsui's "The Road" CD Now On Video

2011-08-21T19:47:00.001-07:00

Keiko Matsui’s latest CD is titled ‘The Road’ and the title cut has just been released as a music video. On the album, the musicians who play on that track, Jackiem Joyner, Eric Baines and Chad Wright, are in fact all members of Keiko’s touring band and when recently I talked to Keiko from her home in Los Angeles I was eager to understand more about the rationale for including them.

Continue reading "Keiko Matsui's The Road Now On Video" »

Jazz Music is Back in Orlando

2011-08-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

There's a new local FM station on the Orlando radio dial at 102.5 FM, and the format: 'SMOOTH JAZZ'. The new Smooth Jazz Network affiliate radio station 'Smooth Jazz 102.5' signed on today in Orlando.

Latin Jazz players sue Grammys for axing award

2011-08-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Latin Jazz players sue Grammys for axing award

Four Latin Jazz musicians are suing the Grammy Awards for cutting their category from the list of awards handed out each year.

In a suit filed in New York state court, the musicians accuse the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of threatening their careers by denying them the chance to win a coveted Grammy.

The academy cut Latin Jazz along with 30 other categories in a streamlined list that still tops out at 78 awards.

But in their suit, filed last week, the four artists say the changes unfairly derailed their career-long build-ups to becoming Grammy winners.

One plaintiff, Benjamin Lapidus, who heads a Latin Jazz group and has been an academy member since 2001, says he had been told he would have a chance for an award in the Latin Jazz category if he released his eight album, "Generaciones," this year. (more - Click News Headline title)

Hot Jazz, Small Club in Upstate NY - a Bucky Pizzarelli and Ray Blue Sighting...

2011-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

N.Y. / Region

WESTCHESTER ARTS | PEEKSKILL

Bringing In Diners With Offerings Not on the Menu

Susan Stava for The New York Times

ON THE BILL Ray Blue with his band at the BeanRunner Cafe.

By PHILLIP LUTZ

Published: August 5, 2011

TEMPERATURES soared outside the Division Street Grill in Peekskill on a recent Saturday night. But inside, the unflappable guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and his longtime bassist, Jerry Bruno, were playing it cool with well-worn standards like “Satin Doll” and “Tangerine.” And their subtle, sly treatment struck a chord with the 40 or so diners, who applauded faithfully between bites of pan-seared tuna and penne Bolognese.

Radio Mourns The Loss of a Real Broadcaster

2011-08-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

This gentleman gave me some jingle work when they had a station in Santa Barbara, California (Smooth Jazz). Rick Buckley, rest in peace. - Bob Baldwin

RADIO MOURNS THE LOSS OF A REAL BROADCASTER

The radio industry is still in shock as word continues circulate that Buckley Broadcasting owner Rick Buckley died suddenly early Sunday morning. A portion of a memo sent from Buckley COO Joe Bilotta stated "It is with a deep and profound sadness that I must inform you that early Sunday morning, Rick Buckley passed away. His passing was peaceful and without pain. He suffered a brain embolism at his beach home in Quogue, NY. There is no more impassioned leader of any company than Rick Buckley. He led the company that bears his name for over four decades and did so in a style and manner that reflected the family nature of his business. He loved radio, loved his company, and cared deeply for all of his employees." WOR-AM New York General Manager Jerry Crowley tells Radio Ink there will be an-air tribute Monday morning (www.wor710.com).

Keiko Matsui Debuts "The Road..." Music Video | U.S. Tour Dates Announced

2011-07-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Visionary Japanese Instrumentalist Keiko Matsui Debuts Music Video For The Title Track From Her Album The Road...

Second Leg Of U.S. Tour Runs August Through October With A Special Guest Performance Aboard The Dave Koz Alaskan Cruise

With over a million and a half albums sold and sold out concerts around the globe, keyboardist Keiko Matsui is a citizen of the world and one of the brightest stars in instrumental music.

Miles Davis Quintet - Live in Europe 1967: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL . 1

2011-07-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

"SECOND GREAT QUINTET" OF MILES, HERBIE HANCOCK, WAYNE SHORTER, RON CARTER & TONY WILLIAMS AT THEIR ABSOLUTE PEAK AFTER THREE YEARS TOGETHER

DELUXE 3-CD + DVD PACKAGE PRESENTS PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED OR FIRST-EVER AUTHORIZED RELEASE OF LIVE RECORDINGS FROM 1967 "NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL IN EUROPE" CONCERTS

MILES DAVIS QUINTET - LIVE IN EUROPE 1967: THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 1 launches new Miles Davis Series offering rare and previously unreleased live recordings from around the world .

Another One Bites The Terrestrial Dust in Toronto, Ontario

2011-07-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

According to Vickie Van Dyke/DJ at Wave 94.7 / Toronto:

"Canada's Wave 94.7 is flipping to a country format at midnight Aug. 1. The GOOD news is that "contemporary jazz" or "smooth groove" will still be heard on-line 24/7. Bob Farrow, Gary James and I will still be on the (internet) air.

Be sure to tune into www.wave.fm Monday morning. We'll be there playing the same GREAT music (including you, Bob) and you'll find me daily 1-7pm!"

I was just there this past spring. Pretty sad! More on this later.

Bob Baldwin digs a straight groove in a zig-zag biz -

2011-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Written by Lawrence Cosentino

In February 2008, jazz pianist and composer Bob Baldwin was driving through the countryside of Westchester County, N.Y., soaking in musical inspiration, when he got a depressing text message. New York’s WQCD was shutting off the smooth jazz spigot after 15 years.

He remembers that day the way other people remember the day their cat was euthanized. “Sure enough, at 4 o’clock on Feb. 5, they started playing Led Zeppelin,” Baldwin said. “Shortly after that, about 24 stations around the country flipped in a year and a half.” (Lansing´s own smooth jazz station, WJZL-FM, changed formats last December, becoming WLMI-FM, which features "classic hits" programming.)

Smooth jazz — the plugged-in, groove-based, sexpot-who-never-went-to-college sister of mainstream jazz — has to fight for respect, and not without reason. It’s a healing bath in sweet funk at best, on-hold-with-the-insurance-company music at worst.

Ebony/Jet Magazine Sells Out, Last Black-Owned Media Giant…

2011-07-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

Dr. Boyce Watkins; Ebony/Jet Magazine Sells Out, Last Black-Owned Media Giant…

One of the last holdouts in the onslaught of major corporations seeking to take over the black-owned media space was the Johnson Publishing Company, which runs Ebony and Jet Magazines. As Essence Magazine, BET and other outlets found themselves running into the arms of a financial white knight, the Johnson family fought hard to maintain its independence. That quest was hindered when it was recently announced that JP Morgan Chase has bought a substantial stake in the company.

The announcement of the partnership represents the end of a 69-year period during which the company was family-owned. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, leading some to wonder why the owners want to keep the numbers a secret. My guess is that pride is playing a role in the secrecy, like a proud father who doesn’t tell his children that he borrowed money from the neighbors in order to pay the light bill.

(more)

Borders Books Shuts it Down....COMPLETELY!!

2011-07-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Another retailer that sells MUSIC bites the dust.

Borders Bookstore Will Eliminate 11,000 Jobs, Close 400 Remaining Stores

Bankrupt Borders Group Inc said it has canceled its auction and will sell itself to a group of liquidators.

Borders announced the decision on Monday, saying it was not able to reach a deal for a going-concern sale to salvage its 400 remaining stores and 11,000 jobs.

A liquidation group led by Hilco Merchant Resources will begin liquidations as early as Friday, Borders said in a statement. The bookseller will seek bankruptcy court approval of the closing procedures at a hearing set for Thursday.

(Reporting by Nick Brown, editing by Bernard Orr)

More

Debuted #14 w/ Bullet on Billboard Jazz!

2011-07-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

Good news this morning. Got word that the new record has debuted #14 on the
Billboard Jazz Charts, and for that, I'm grateful.

Enjoy the ride! - chart link

Bob

Jeff Golub announces trouble seeing??

2011-07-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Guitarist Jeff Golub Is Going Blind

Written by SquidBoy

Through his website, Golub describes some issues he was having during the sessions for his last album, Three Kings.

While recording the record I started having a little trouble with my right eye. I tried to ignore it, but the condition worsened. Oddly enough, I was working with Henry, who coincidentally is blind. After the recording and trips to several of NY's top eye specialists, I was diagnosed with a collapse of the optic nerve in my right eye. It is just some random thing that can happen to people...no real reason why or real cause...just a curve ball life throws at you sometimes.

So, I am slowly adjusting to this one-eyed life, learning to play baseball with my 8 year old, and slowly, carefully driving to the beach to take our crazy 6 month old puppy for a walk so he will be just a bit less crazy and traveling to do what I love doing...playing guitar. As I always tell my kids I am so lucky that the words play and work are in the same sentence in my life. I love what I do. It is the other half of me that completes me...the yin, the yang...I've got family, friends and I've got amazing work with wonderful fans that support what I do.

More...

Mercer County to Hold Sweet Sounds of Summer Music Festival - and the Price is Right!

2011-07-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Mercer County to hold Sweet Sounds of Summer Music festival

Published: Monday, July 11, 2011

West Windsor, N.J. — Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Park Commission are proud to announce that Mercer County Park will be hosting the first annual Sweet Sounds of Summer Music festival, a two-day outdoor celebration that has attracted popular and internationally famous jazz musicians.

The mature, upscale event will span the 16th and 17th of July. Musicians will be performing from noon to 8pm. Tickets can be purchased by logging onto http://www.tix.com/. Lawn seats cost $25.00 each day.

Attendees should be advised that no coolers or foods are allowed into the concert area, and to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy a relaxed, outdoor summer atmosphere. Despite this, guests will certainly not go hungry. Food vendors include G&L Gyros, Augustin Waffles, Nutty Bavarian, The Great American Cheesecake, A&H African & Jamaican Restaurant, Big Dogg’s Festival Foods, Oriental Marinated Barbecue, Sunny’s Deli, Bad Dog’s Boneyard Barbecue, Ribhouse Barbecue, and Black Jack Grill from Florida, which boasts some of the best seafood around. There will also be an entire host of vendors present, displaying wares in the form of everything from jewelry, clothing, and paintings to basement finishing systems and vacation resort opportunities.

This daring new event is sponsored by the Mercer County Park Commission, Corona Beer, Metro PCS, Children’s Futures, and David Lerner & Associates. Media sponsors include 94.5 PST FM, WDAS 105.3 FM, WIMG 1300 AM, and SmoothJazz.com. Festival organizers announced, “Together with our sponsors, we will…provide visitors with an event they will want to revisit year after year.”

On July 16th, from 12 to 8 p.m. audiences will hear concerts by Oli Silk, the British smooth jazz keyboardist, Choco Orta, perhaps the most acclaimed salsa performer of the 21st century, Phil Perry, a well known R&B singer/songwriter/musician, Dave Valentin, a Grammy-award-winning jazz flutist, and Ronny Jordan, a Grammy-nominated guitarist who headed the acid jazz movement in the late 90’s.

On July 17th, from 12 to 8 p.m. attendees will be treated to performances by Marion Meadows, the internationally famous contemporary saxophonist, Chembo Corniel, a Grammy-nominated Latin percussionist, Maysa, the chart-topping smooth jazz singer, Miri Ben-Ari, the Grammy-award-winning Israeli hip-hop violinist, and Pete Belasco, a famous and multitalented jazz vocalist/saxophonist/keyboardist.

For more information about the jazz festival, visit http://www.sweetsoundsofsummer.com/.

Press contact: info@sweetsoundsofsummer.com

Festival Headquarters: (609) 386-0044

Herbie Hancock Quote from 1983

2011-07-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Don't Pigeon-hole Herbie Hancock...sticks to his guns!!
Herbie Hancock Quote from 1983

OLD CD101.9 FREQUENCY SOON FLIPS TO NEWS??

2011-07-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

WRXP shifts from contemporary rock to news channel as it changes hands from Emmis to Merlin Media -

As most hot topics fly under the radar, I just read in today's Daily News that Merlin Radio is buying NY's 101.9 from Emmis, who flipped CD101.9 from Smooth Jazz to Rock. now they are going all-news! Can someone say 'Idiots' and 'Saboteurs' in unison, please.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2011/07/14/2011-07-14_wrxp_shifts_from_contemporary_rock_to_news_channel_as_it_changes_hands_from_emmi.html

Baldwin Sets Up 2 Listening Parties in NY and NJ

2011-07-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Westchester, NY - Mt. Vernon's Bob Baldwin, who has released 16 discs, is having a listening party with a Question & Answer session in two locations celebrating his latest release, "NewUrbanJazz.com 2 / Re-Vibe", featuring Glenn Jones, Ragan Whiteside, Darren Rahn, Joey Sommerville, Eric Essix, Barry Danielian, Freddy V., and Chip Shearin.

On Tuesday, July 26, 2011, look for Baldwin at Trumpets Restaurant in Montclair, NJ, located at 6 Depot Square, and Wednesday, July 27 at Arts Westchester, located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY. Both events will start at 7:30pm - 9:30pm. The Q & A will include discussions about his upcoming book "You Better Ask Somebody / It's the Friggin' Music Business", which will be released this fall.

Admission for both events is $13.00 with a free CD given at admission. The listening party at Arts Westchester will be followed with a jam session at the Lazy Lounge in White Plains. Members of the press will be admitted for free, but only with proper identification.

Come meet and greet Bob Baldwin on Tuesday and Wednesday during Listening Party week in NY/NJ.

More info about Trumpets, click here

More info about Arts Westchester, click here

See Reviews and Songtitles Below ===================================================================

"There are literally no surprises in a disc that tells you what to expect the second you hit play. If "New Urban Jazz" is your thing then this is a must. My feeling is that the cross over potential on this release is huge!"

- Digital Jazz News -

(Pianist, record producer, musical arranger Bob Baldwin will soon be releasing a brand new project...NewUrbanJazz.com 2 (Re-Vibe) is an incredible follow-up to his previous CD, and contains an outstanding collection of smooth contemporary grooves. Featured guest performers include Freddie V., Darren Rahn, Joey Sommerville, Glenn Jones, and Bo Valentine. On this 14 track compilation, Bob delivers a splendid balance between the funky and the mellow.)

~Sunshine Brown / WDAS-FM / "Quiet Storm/Groovin' On A Sunday Afternoon" Producer

Songtitles:

1. Thanks For Stopping By

2. Uptown Situation - f/ Freddy V.
3. Get Over It - f/ Ragan Whiteside
4. For Grover and George - f/ Darren Rahn
5. Unthinkable - f/ Joey Sommerville
6. All Over You - f/ Glenn Jones
7. Get a Little (Jazz For Yo Ear) - f/ Bo Valentine
8. Cosmic - Tology
9. Arabian Sweets - f/ Ragan Whiteside
10. Burnin' (In My Brain)
11. Are You Ready? - f/ Porter Carroll
12. Re-Vibe
13. Every Breath is a Gift - f/ Joey Sommerville
14. Morning

Listen online at www.bobbaldwin.com

Release Date of "NewUrbanJazz.com a / Re-Vibe"

2011-07-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Buy Now!!

- Digital Jazz News -

~Sunshine Brown / WDAS-FM / "Quiet Storm/Groovin' On A Sunday Afternoon" Producer

Jazz in Rockland County NY ??????

2010-08-05T17:49:00.001-07:00

BB collabs and plans to perform at new Jazz Club in Rockland County, NY - brings a friend (TBA) to celebrate club opening. Hold the Date: Sept. 18, 2010
(details to follow)

Baldwin to Oasis - Mar. 2011 !!

2010-08-05T17:48:00.001-07:00

Baldwin gets invite to Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards in 2011 - San Diego

(details to follow)

HOT SHOWS IN NYC AND ANNAPOLIS, MD.

2010-08-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2010

Art Sherrod f/ Bob Baldwin plays to a near packed-house in Annapolis, Md.
Ensemble goes West on 9/11/10 to the BBJazz Fest featuring Eric Essix, Joey Sommerville, Walter Beasley and Maysa.

info

----------
July 26, 2010

Baldwin/Minucci/Gabriela Anders make huge musical statement at Joes Pub, NYC amidst near standing-room only crowd. Great job done by EULIS CATHEY!!!!

New Collaboration with Red Cross of Northern NJ

2010-08-05T17:45:00.001-07:00

July 3, 2010

"Never Can Say Goodbye", A Tribute to Michael Jackson
embarks on another fundraising campaign with the Red Cross of Northern NJ

(details to follow)

"Never Can Say Goodbye" - Great Debut Week!

2010-08-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2010

"Never Can Say Goodbye",
A Tribute to Michael Jackson
debuts (week of June 28, 2010)

# 14 Billboard Jazz
#6 Billboard Contemporary Jazz
#2 Amazon Jazz

Thank you!!

NEW RADIO SPECIAL COMING UP ON THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

2010-06-14T02:34:00.000-07:00

BOB BALDWIN

“Never Can Say Goodbye”
In Tribute to Michael Jackson

RELEASE DATE: 6/22/10

Pre-Order for early delivery - 14 days early!

SPECIAL RADIO AIRING THE WEEK OF JUNE 22, 2010

Listen to the One-hour special of

"Never Can Say Goodbye",

which includes interviews with

George Duke

Marion Meadows

Dave Koz

Kirk Whalum

Chieli Minucci (of Special EFX fame)

Download the program NOW for free!

Up for a short time only.

If you are a station airing the material, please email us with the airing and the time.

Email me at Baldwin77 (at) aol.com.

CURRENT STATIONS ON BOARD: 35 AS OF TODAY!!

Fitting Tribute To Michael

2010-05-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 4th 2010Fitting Tribute To Michael

Bob Baldwin, pianist and arranger, will release an album ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ to mark a day of celebration of Michael’s life.

The songs are a collection of past and present Michael hits played by Bob, a ‘contemporary jazz pioneer’, charting the sentiments of millions of fans worldwide. A special radio tribute and promotion will be made available for broadcast on June 25th across the terrestrial, satellite, internet jazz radio spectrum, including Bob’s own ‘NewUrbanJazz Lounge’ program.

The album will be released on June 22nd, on the Trippin”NRhythm label, and was produced and arranged by Bob Baldwin.

Source: MJWN with special thanks to Ronald Holt

WHITE PLAINS — Shaunice Alexander is focused on college at the moment — but a career on the stage definitely is in her sights. Musician Bob Baldwin s

2010-05-19T08:43:00.001-07:00

WHITE PLAINS — Shaunice Alexander is focused on college at the moment — but a career on the stage definitely is in her sights.

Musician Bob Baldwin shows students how to record music to their computers during a New Urban Jazz mentoring session at the Arts Exchange in White Plains. The program pairs young musicians with professionals to teach them about the music industry. (Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News)

And now she's got an edge.

The 18-year-old aspiring performer has been among dozens of local students to take part in the New Urban Jazz mentoring workshops, a pairing of professional artists and young musicians designed to teach teenagers the music industry from the inside out.

For Alexander, that has included a dose of music history, lessons on stage presence and even legal tips on how to be savvy when you land your first recording contract.

Baldwin Drops New Disc on June 25, 2010

2010-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

“Never Can Say Goodbye”
In Tribute to Michael Jackson

NEW YORK, NY - June 25th, the day that rocked the music world with the tragic death of the King Of Pop, will mark a day of celebration of the life of Michael Jackson with the release of “Never Can Say Goodbye”, a fitting title of this thoughtful collection of past to present Jackson hits from contemporary jazz pioneer, Pianist/Arranger Bob Baldwin and speaks of the sentiment felt by millions of fans worldwide. A special radio tribute and promotion will be made available for broadcast, June 25th across the terrestrial, satellite, internet jazz radio spectrum, including his own 'NewUrbanJazz Lounge' program."

NewUrbanJazz Collaborates with Red Cross to Push Nationwide Initiaitive

2010-03-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

For all Jazzheads and friends and family of Bob Baldwin and NewUrbanJazz, we have set up a nationwide donor fund. All payments go directly to the Red Cross on behalf of NewUrbanJazz.

Your donation is tax-deductible. Cick the Red Cross logo above and thanks for your support.

Mar - May, 2010 - NewUrbanJazz and Arts Westchester launches "NewUrbanJazz @ the Arts xChange

2010-03-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

It has been an honor to work in collaboration with Arts Westchester in presenting the first-ever "NewUrbanJazz @ the Arts xChange". NUJ is a re-defined radio format currently heard on the web as well as 8 different stations nationwide.

Even though I've had the opportunity to record in such faraway places as Brazil, South Africa and the UK and to work with such luminaries as George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr. and our own Chuck Loeb, it has been equally thrilling to showcase the very underrated talent pool that is here in our backyard.

Long gone are the sessions I would listen in on of Luther Vandross, Atlantic Starr, David Sanborn, Bob James, Michael Colina (which literally took place at the legendary Minot Studios, formerly in the basement of Mercy College) over 20 years ago, we hope that the "NewUrbanJazz @ the Arts xChange will help jump-start a new generation of talent right here in our backyard.

It's worth mentioning that Lynette Washington's opening program with Pianist Dennis Bell was a standing ovation sellout, which sets things off on a good foot.

If you live in Westchester County, NY, please come and support our series, in part or in whole. You won't be disappointed!!

02/10/10 - Westchester Musicians for Haiti was a Huge Success!

2010-03-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

The Program "Westchester Musicians for Haiti" was a wonderful and warm evening of musicians celebrating the outpouring of love and concern for the Haitian community. "We were all shocked at the devastation of that great country and wanted to show our support for the loss of life there", says Bob Baldwin, organizer of the event. The Schwietzer Hospital in Dechapeles, Haiti was the recipient of the donation, which has been in place since the 1950's. The show featured Wali Ali, Mala Waldron, Ragan Whiteside, Porter Carroll, Guy Davis and the aforementioned Baldwin. (photo by Linda Shenkman Curtis)

03/18/10 - "Jazz For Haiti" coming to Newark, NJ!

2010-03-03T14:58:00.001-08:00

NewUrbanJazz co-presents with Newark Symphony Hall with the "Jazz for Haiti" benefit concert, Mar. 18, 2010 f/ Chieli Minucci, Dave Valentin, Bob Baldwin, Ragan Whiteside, Bradford Hayes, Carrie Jackson, Yvette Glover, and more..

February 23, 2010 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWARK, NJ: New York and New Jersey - based Recording Jazz Artists and Newark Symphony Hall Respond to the Haiti Crisis with “Jazz for Haiti(tm) Relief Benefit Concert” at Newark Symphony Hall/Terrace Ballroom, Thursday, March 18, at 7:00 PM.

Bob Baldwin makes a call out to the Jazz Community regarding a worldwide donation effort on behalf of the Jazz community to activate 5,000 jazz lovers worldwide to contribute to the cause with donations going directly to the Red Cross.

Proceeds will benefit the Red Cross and the City National Bank Haiti Emergency Relief Fund, which will directly assist the medical needs of the Haitian community in Port-Au-Prince, the location of the earthquake of January 12, 2010 in Haiti.

NewUrbanJazz along with Newark Symphony Hall, and a group of associated event producers, musicians, and community organizations and activists have leveraged their network to organize a one-day Jazz For Haiti Relief Concert at Newark Symphony Hall/Terrace Ballroom, Newark, NJ on Thursday, March 18, 2010 beginning at 7:00pm. The benefit concert offers a handful of New York and Northern NJ's Musical Artists a chance to be together, listen to great music and raise desperately needed aid. The Greater NY-Metro music community and the world have felt a deep sense of responsibility and urgency to donate their money, time and talent in the wake of the Haiti tragedy.

"Jazz for Haiti" will feature a combination of Jazz flavors from a plethora of artists. Confirmed to appear are Dave Valentin (flute), Chieli Minucci (Guitar), Saxophonist Bradford Hayes, Jazz Vocalists Carrie Jackson and Yvette Glover, Ruben Rodriguez (bassist for the Jazz At Lincoln Center Latin Jazz Orchestra), as well as event-organizer Bob Baldwin (Piano/Arranger). This event is a follow up to a benefit event that took place in White Plains, NY in alliance with Arts Westchester.

03/01/10 - Porter Carroll Brings Arts Education to Disadvantaged Youth!

2010-03-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

Bring arts education to disadvantaged youth: Symphony Rhythm & Blues. Pepsi Refresh Everything!!

Goals and Initiatives Include:

* Entice disadvantaged youth off the streets and into the symphony
* Awareness and fundraising through PBS broadcast and national tour
* Inspire and mentor these youth to pursue dreams and goals
* Raise significant funds for youth music education and opportunities
* Leverage project to raise awareness of the power of arts education

TO VOTE THIS INITIATIVE IN, CLICK HERE!!

PPM Coalition Renews Call For Investigation

2010-02-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

Radio Ink Magazine: "After TRO, PPM Coalition Renews Call For Investigation
February 12, 2010: In an ex parte letter filed with the FCC, lawyers for the PPM Coalition -- an ad hoc group that includes Spanish Broadcasting System, Entravision, Univision Radio, ICBC Broadcast Holdings, and others -- say Arbitron 'escalated its attack on minority targeted radio broadcasters' by filing for -- and getting -- a temporary restraining order against SBS that requires the broadcasters to continue encoding its stations for the Portable People Meter. The order is in effect pending a hearing set for February 16."

Cheers? It's LondonTown - Soho

2009-09-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

LIVE SONG FILE CLIP -

http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=srp&sfxp=&q=bob+baldwin+jazz#

The trip began on 9/8 when I flew in from NYC. Had the nerve to try to re-adjust my body to NY after being in South Africa for 10 days..yikes. After I finally figured out what time it was in NY, I was back on the a plane and jacked up all over again. I landed on Tuesday evening and we stayed at this cool place in Bayswater, which worked out great. The London hotels have a propensity of being extremely small and not too cozy, but we were pretty good at this spot. Thanks, JIMI!!

The music was shipped out days in advance and the boys scooped it up pretty quick. Frank Felix (Bass) and Mark Parnell (Drums) did a respectful job, considering they had to learn about 12 songs, they did a nice job.

(Michael Lington taking control, UK - shot by Jimi King)

Lington did music from some of his earlier works, including "You and I" and "Pacifica", the latter had a nice west coast vibe with a pop-cool jazz vibe and the former was a laid back sound that personally reminds me of Toto - with a nice french horn motif. He also did pieces from his latest disc "Heat", including a tune called "Memphis", which had this very southern-rock vibe. Lington was also featured on Sanborns' version of "Love & Happiness"-originally by Al Green. One of his strong influences as a young contemporary jazz guy growing up in Copenhagen was Dave Sanborn....this particular arrangment has my friend Buddy Williams on Drums and Marcus Miller on Bass. A great closing cut.

Steve Oliver is a multi-tasking maniac, and incredible talent - who has done most of his gigs doing the electronic sequenced formation duetted with a Percussionist. He found some exploring room on his tunes has he was not relegated to running sequences and drum programs. His performances soared on "Chips & Salsa", which was intro'd with a spanish guitar extravanganza with bursts of "Ole" from the audience. On the final night, there was a trade of 4th's between Lington, Oliver and myself. One of his other highlights was a tune called "Magic World", which was very new-agish, but had layers of strings and symphonic flavors and a great tune to perform. "Magic World" is a beautiful composition by Oliver.

Yours truly brought the NY Funk 'n' Jazz with tunes from my book including "The Way She Looked at Me", which is a driving Steely-Dan-ish groove with a bassline that doesn't go away. Oliver laid down a nice rhythm part and sang the hook, which was a special moment.

"Third Wind" was weaved into a couple of the shows and Michael Lington laid a nice chorus pairing with a hot solo on the end...Steve laid some nice guitar work as well.

"Summer Breeze" was a nice highlight for me. The great Seals & Crofts tune is known around the world, even in South Africa AND the United Kingdom. Singing the hook makes my life easier because that just confirms they know the jam worldwide, which is a good thing. All in all, the combination of Lington, Oliver & Baldwin was a good mix.

The club Pizza Express was incredibly cordial and classy. Soufiane was an angel and Jimi King needs to be commended for his efforts in delivering Contemporary Jazz in the UK with NO terrestrial radio, which was pretty impressive.

(Baldwin Lays the Keys down for Lington)

(Holdin' it down in LondonTown)

Baldwin/Lington/Oliver after the show - (Jimi King)

All in all, the combination of Lington, Oliver & Baldwin was a good mix. The club Pizza Express was incredibly cordial and classy. Soufiane was an angel and Jimi King needs to be commended for his efforts in delivering Contemporary Jazz in the UK with NO terrestrial radio, which was pretty impressive. And as JK said on Facebook, "The NuGroove Boys seriously rocked the house.

To add a little flavor to the week, we were able to uncover 3 songs that were recorded in the back of the room.

Baldwin/Lington/Oliver after the bow (Jimi King)

LIVE SONG FILE CLIP -

http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=srp&sfxp=&q=bob+baldwin+jazz#

I had a blast!! When's the next one??

Hope you enjoyed reading this blog.

Enjoy the latest!

Baldwin's latest "Lookin' Back" on NuGroove
Records...click the cover and make it part of
your home collection.

Bob Baldwin

JOY OF JAZZ FINAL DAYS THRU MY LENS - 2009

2009-09-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Days 2 and 3 of the Joy of Jazz Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa was fantastic. I'll lean on Saturday's show closeout. JoBurg has an incredible zest for jazz. They love the funky as well as the straight-ahead.

Before we begin, we decided to hang with the natives.....Don't worry, we thought about treading here, but I left my steel anti-snake suit at home!!

(Don't even think about it!!)

We decided to just hang with the vendors. These guys were pretty amazing, carving out some very hip artistic designs by hand. These brothers work hard for the money and make a true honest living. What a pleasure to hang with them. We were able to break a few Rand off and support their causes as they use their gift(s) to keep food on the table.

(BB and the gang)

(Meadows and the gang)

Now to the gig.....

MM crafted a cool signature scarf donned with a NY-hipness-type of hat and a white soccer-type top, styled sweats and a pair of sport shoes. I was having fun pushing the colors with a Desigual shirt and some cool jeans. It was fun bringing the American flavor overseas and they too showed up a few fashion tricks as well.

(Baldwin/Meadows warm up the crowd)

The BB/MM Team consisted of some very cool musicians from South Africa, including Vusi Khumalo/Drums, Vuyo/Bass, and Cameron Ward/Guitar. They laid down the funky SA groove for me and Marion and the end result was a nice appreciative audience. We opened the show with "Tales From a Gypsy" and moved that right into "The Way She Looked At Me". We then did one of Marioin's tunes "Treasures", a nice mid-tempo funky vibe and it featured Cameron on guitar. This boy rocks. At 28, he loves the vintage Earth, Wind & Fire, but his solo chops
are quite lovely. You would have enjoyed it.

(Cameron Ward on the solo with the coolness of South Africa)

The next piece was the SA-born "Ukuphila", which was written when I was there in 2000. I've recorded it once, but plan to record again with some of the great artists there....in fact, the trip was extended for a few days later to record tracks with Vusi and his brother Bakithi (who's a legend on own with his work with Paul Simon). That was a tear-jerker, both for me and for them because of their transition away from Apartheid. Some of those wounds are still fresh and
wide open.

Then there was a tribute to Michael Jackson - on Saturday, it was actually his birthday, and although sadness surrounds the tragedy of MJ, we memorialized it with "Never Can Say Goodbye". The locals there sang the song like it came out yesterday. They really loved MJ in SA. He was well appreciated!! We then slowed it down with a George Duke classic "No Rhyme, No Reason" and he proceeded to weave the crowd into the jam.

(Meadows in the house)

Next was the BB/MM Classic "South Beach", written for his 1995 album and still has that vibe. We recorded that on the "Sanctioned Bootleg" disc. Marion's solo starts mellow and quiet and funky, but launches into an explosive ending which rarely leaves one in their seats. It's like you have to jump up and cheer...Amazing how he does that.

Last was "Summer Breeze" and even in SA, the tune is still lovely. Again, we had the best time and was well received by everyone.

(What key is this in??)

I want to thank Peter Tlade for making the event come alive, as well as Rod Taylor, who bridged the gap with his residency there in 2000. Brenda Hazel from Lezah Entertainment (http://www.lezahentertainment.net) sealed the deal with her multiplicity of emails and Skype calls. Thanks, Brenda!!! I met a few cool cats along the journey, and I appreciate every contributor who made life easy on this trip.

Pictures are by Prudence and Mesia, two great South African residents who LOVE JAZZ....

(Backstage with Cameron Ward, myself, our friend Kenny from Sheer, Vusi Khumalo, and Marion)

Later that night, some magic happen. When the lights were off, the cats were paid, fed...the crowds went home, it just came down to 'gettin' down in the lobby of the Crowe Plaza in Rosebank, Johannesburg. On the left of this picture was a lady who coined herself as "BreakBeats"..she was working with Vollenveider early that evening. In any event, after 4:00am, the boys were still wailing away on experimental music. Local guitar legend Jimmy Dludlu was jammin' in the lobby. When Jonathan Butler left SA about 10 years before the end of
Apartheid, Jimmy stuck around and before long, became a local legend. Jimmy has recorded state-side. His guitar work is exquisite and highly underrated, but again I say - Jammin' in the hotel lobby. On the right of him was a brother from the country of Mali and this boy was no joke. On his right was Cuban - born Raul Pineda, who worked with Lao Tizer at the Joy of Jazz Festival. His conga work was NASTY...he had my man from Mali taking notes....overall, it was a beautiful evening of cats just vibing off of each other's gifts. It was better than the concerts themselves because it was REAL!

(The Break-Beat Girl (Standing), Jimmy Dludlu on guitar, Brother from Mali and Raul Pineda on percussion, Marion Meadows and the rest of the late-night gang at 4:00am)

I will continue to blog on here as other things develop...trust me, there are some cool things forthcoming with a future trip there within the next 3-6 months.

Day 1 of the Joy of Jazz Festival - South Africa

2009-08-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Earlier today, Marion and I ventured off into the world of school symposium. We landed in Soweto, where some of the kids were studying music, but more importantly, they were there to hear a couple of music veterans share some of the wisdom, and we jammed at the end of the class, which was quite a treat.

(Working with a young keyboard lion from Soweto, talking about the power of the tri-tone)

(Hanging with the students for a quick photo op)

(Soweto TV- talking about the experiences we had in Jo-Burg)

(Marion and the young Soweto Lion, kicking some M major Blues as I sit back and soak in the experience.)

Later that night, as I anxiously await for Friday to perform at the Bassline here in Jo'Burg, the opening day of the Joy of Jazz Festival commenced and it closed out with a guitar fest, courtesy of Norman Brown, who was joined later by Jimmy Dludlu (South Africa) and new burner Kunye Ayo (Nigeria). These guys were cookin' on "That's The Way Love Goes". Also on board on the show was Lao Tizer, Chieli Minucci and Karen Briggs on Keys, Guitar and Violin, respectively. They represented strong as they traded licks off of each other all night, equally impressive!!

(Norman Brown, Jimmy Dludlu, Kunye Ayo)

(Chieli Minucci, Lao Tizer, Karen Briggs and band at the Joy of Jazz Festival)

Tomorrow, we'll be doing jams from the "Lookin' Back" CD as well as the "NewUrbanJazz.com" disc. Looking forward to it!!

ciao!!

Norfolk Jazz Festival

2009-08-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to play at the Norfolk Jazz Festival...what a perfect day for outdoor jazz and the end result was a nice show with George Duke and Jean Carne.....Here's a flick with GD, one of my favorite keydudes....and Ms. Lynne Fiddemont was 'sangin''!!!! She was working on the Kirk Whalum "Gospel Of Jazz II" Video. The music just be flowin'!!!!!

Hartford Jazz

2009-08-23T18:46:00.001-07:00

Had a blast in Hartford, Ct. recently. There was a Police Report that states that 35,000 were in attendance for the weekend, which was an honor to be a part of.

"Jazz is not dead and as the baby-boomers get older, they
enjoy the music even more!!" - Bob Baldwin