by Jane Lambert

“Wig Glue”: Ray Levier’s Inspiring Ode to Resilience and Groove

Ray Levier, a seasoned drummer and highly sought-after sideman, unveils his most poignant and personal track to date with “Wig Glue.” This jazz funk fusion composition pays tribute to the legendary guitarist Mike Stern, renowned for his work with Miles Davis and other esteemed jazz and fusion acts. “Wig Glue” is a spirited and groove-filled piece that embodies resilience and determination, inspired by Stern’s remarkable journey of overcoming a devastating accident.

The backstory behind the song adds a layer of depth and inspiration. In 2016, Stern suffered a severe accident, breaking both of his humerus bones and causing nerve damage. This left him struggling to hold a guitar pick, threatening his ability to continue performing. In a stroke of fortuitous creativity, Stern discovered a solution in wig glue—a conversation with fellow musician Etienne Stadwijk led him to Ray Levier, who had been using wig glue on his drumsticks after his own accident.

Levier, a highly skilled drummer, generously shared his unconventional method with Stern, resulting in a remarkable breakthrough. By using wig glue, Stern regained his ability to hold the pick and continue playing. Grateful for the solution, Stern highlighted Levier in interviews and expressed deep appreciation for the fortuitous suggestion. Together, they formed a bond and playfully referred to themselves as members of the “wig glue club.”

“Wig Glue” serves as a dedication to the resilience of both Ray Levier and Mike Stern, embodying the idea that even if something is broken, it can be glued back together, allowing the journey to continue. The track itself captures the spirit of funk, infusing it with elements of jazz and fusion to create an infectious and dynamic sound. Levier’s rhythmic prowess takes center stage, driving the groove and delivering captivating musical moments.

Joined by Etienne Stadwijk, Mike Stern, and esteemed bassist Will Lee, known for his exceptional contributions on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ and collaborations with renowned figures like George Benson and The Brecker Brothers, Ray LeVier and friends embark on a melodic enchantment with “Wig Glue.” This harmonious convergence of musical talent amplifies the impact of the track, elevating it to new heights.

With its infectious rhythms, captivating melodies, and spirited performances, “Wig Glue” captures the essence of overcoming adversity and pushing forward in the face of challenges. It serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, and Ray Levier’s tribute to Mike Stern stands as a powerful symbol of the strong bonds and mutual support that exist within the music community.

Listen to “Wig Glue” and embrace its empowering message of resilience:

04.25.23

by Jane Lambert

“It Just Has to Be” is a Soft and Warm Song from Black Olive Jazz

Black Olive Jazz features the warm singer Kay Kostopoulos and the veteran Noel Jewkes on tenor, alto, soprano and flute. The group performs a wide range of jazz: swing, standards, blues, Latin and originals. Kay and Noel have been featured venues and jazz festivals all around the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Sonoma, Napa, Healdsburg, Vallejo, Sacramento, Palo Alto, and Fillmore Jazz Festivals. Their album, Exotica, a Mediterranean Jazz Journey, received rave reviews, and was honored by the Stanford Humanities celebration.

Kay is also a Stanford lecturer in Business and Theater, professional actress, singer, dancer and director who has performed in plays and musicals in many regional and Bay Area theaters, including the Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, San Francisco and California Shakespeare Festivals, Stanford Summer Theater and A.C.T. (American Conservatory Theatre). Her theatrical background lends an emotional sensitivity to her lush and sensuous three-octave vocal range. Kay’s bellydancing has roots in an ethnic history rich in tradition, percussive musicality and precise technique.

Their newest song, the soft and lounge music-eque song “It Just Has to Be,” is led my Kay’s sultry vocals that adds an emotional depth to the piece. The lyrics themselves speak of the inevitability of love, and the joy that comes with finding someone who completes you.

The band effortlessly blends traditional jazz elements with modern twists to create a sound that is both fresh and timeless. It does have a Frank Sinatra meets Billy Holiday feeling to it with the deliberate words and slow delicate piano.

The intricate instrumentation and complex rhythms make it clear that this is a band that takes their craft seriously and is not afraid to take risks. “It Just Has to Be” is a fantastic addition to Black Olive Jazz’s already impressive catalog.

Connect with Black Olive Jazz via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify

04.17.23

by Jane Lambert

Todd Mosby’s “Moonrise Samba” is a Mesmerizing Latin Jazz Fusion Masterpiece

Todd Mosby’s “Moonrise Samba” is a contemporary Latin jazz fusion single that showcases his strong lead melody writing and intriguing Steely Dan-esque chord sequences. With imaginative arrangement skills, he includes a samba-flavored bridge, beautiful vocal pads, dynamic soloing, and memorable melodies that will leave you wanting more.

Completed in a 1960’s vintage Air Stream under a starlit New Mexico night, this tune’s unique architecture is derived from Latin Soul, samba, and Sergio Mendes influences. Todd’s ability to master western composition, jazz improvisation, and Indian raga music forms sets him apart from other musicians in America.

Todd’s compositions feature strong melodies, sometimes sung by female vocalists recalling the aesthetic of Brazilian musician Sérgio Mendes, virtuosic but lyrical instrumental prowess, deep-pocket grooves informed by a variety of jazz, world, and rock-based traditions, and a deep sense of spiritual intent. His impressive musical resume includes six albums and one single, and he has earned recognition from several notable musicians, including Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman, ZZAJ’s Dick Metcalf, India’s Music Ambassador Ustadt Imrat Khan, 17-time Grammy nominee and jazz guitar legend Mike Stern, and Berklee College of Music President, 7-time Grammy Award winner, and jazz legend Gary Burton.

Todd’s dedication to his craft and attention to detail in the creation of “Moonrise Samba” is evident, and it is a true testament to his musical abilities. If you are a fan of contemporary Latin jazz fusion, “Moonrise Samba” is a must-listen track. It is an impressive piece of music that will leave you wanting more from this talented musician.

Connect with Todd Mosby

Website // Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud

04.12.23

by Jane Lambert

Musique Noire Connects with The Younger Musical Generation in their Album ‘intergenerational’

Musique Noire is the Detroit based all female jazz fusion group. Members Michelle May (violinist and flutist), Leslie Deshazor (violist), JoVia Armstrong (percussionist), and Leah Lucas (violist and violinist), are all accomplished musicians who have performed with high-profile artists such as Stevie Wonder, KEM, and Aretha Franklin. The group’s name reflects their interest in jazz and world music, and their music is informed by the culture of Black people.

Musique Noire’s latest album, intergenerational, showcases the band’s signature jazz and world music fusion sound with a unique twist. The album is a collaboration with three talented up-and-coming musicians, who were asked to write based on their experiences as women or from a woman they admired. The result is an eclectic mix of tracks, each with its own story to tell.

Intergenerational opens with Leslie’s arrangement of the traditional spiritual “Motherless Child,” which incorporates African-style rhythms. Leah’s original composition, “Kaleidoscope,” is a beautifully crafted jazz tune, written by her husband John, who is a pianist, drummer, and composer. JoVia’s contribution, “Nirvana – Feast or Famine,” features lyricist Mahogany Jones and explores themes of Afro-futurism. Michelle’s “Cuban Sunset (Arterdercer Cubano)” is an entirely improvised tune that showcases her violin and flute playing skills.

The impressive collection of tracks reveals the unique talents of Musique Noire and their collaborators. The band believes in leaving a legacy and wanted to have a unique way to reach out to a younger generation.

The album’s sophisticated sound and unique arrangements of world, jazz, soul, and R&B traditions make it a must-listen. With a nomination for a 2023 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding World Recording, Musique Noire continues to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Connect with Musique Noire via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

11.02.22

by Jane Lambert

The Progressive Rock Fusion Band Siren Share Their New Album ‘Beyond the Rainbow’

American band Siren has released their brand new album Beyond the Rainbow.

This is an album that you can truly become immersed in; raw, authentic, contemporary metal rock. The opening track “Lawless Life” starts with a progressive metal guitar riff. The lyrical “High Wire” and “Sympathetic Response” are more laid-back rock songs, written by Mike and Rob Phillips.

Many songs on this album are unexpected, in the sense that musically it is extremely tight and well written, as well as experimenting with different musical concepts. Siren have really gone the extra mile with this new release.

¨When we began writing Beyond the Rainbow, we would write as a group with the exception of ‘High Wire.’ ‘Empty Ocean,’ and ‘Sympathetic Response,’ which Mike and I wrote. Normally Mike and I will bring the songs to the band, and let them work out their parts. A process we have gone back to for our upcoming material, as it seems to work much better for the writing process.” – Rob Phillips

When Phillips had sought to reunite the band back in 2005 with drummer/engineer Mike Cupino, and a new musical direction, the band did release their first Siren album called “Don´t Mind”. It wasn´t until much later, as three new band members joined the group, that the musical sound developed even more.

Today, Siren exists with the same lineup as previous releases, except for the lead guitarist. Todd Grubbs replaces Leo Boland as the lead guitar, and brings a guitar virtuoso which really makes the band stand out with a progressive, fusion style.

The first track on the album, “Lawless Life” was released earlier this year as a single to much critical acclaim, together with a music video produced by Nathan Mowery. With influences such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Foo Fighters, it is hard not to enjoy this eclectic blend of progressive rock.

Stay current on Siren´s Website and social media channels Instagram and Facebook. Stream music on YouTube , Spotify and Soundcloud

10.13.22

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyager: Happy For No Reason’s “Canaries (Hot Summer Night)”

Happy For No Reason is a band that is the antithesis of their name. The band based out of Portland Oregon celebrate every single one of life’s precious moments as two of their members are literally happy to be alive. Comprising of Jo Alexis (vocals and percussion), Neil Goldstein (guitar), and Mark Pritchard (flute), the founding members of Happy For No Reason navigate the rich waters of Jazzy Folk with a pinch of rock, a dash of soul, and even a touch of Bossa Nova.

Their jazzy folk rock single “Canaries (Hot Summer Night)” was revived from Neil and Jo’s early music careers. Neil wrote this chord progression with a jazz band in 1974 and Jo wrote the lyrics in 1991. They put them together one night in 2015 to make the song we hear now. It’s an example of how many of their songs came together.

“The lyrics are about my boyfriend who was working in Harlem at the time and I went to visit him knowing we might break up,” says Jo. “Breaking up when you are still in love is painful but the song has turned into a raucous uptempo sing-along, like the rat pack with a female lead!”

They finished recording, mixing, and making the music video during the pandemic. A friend of Jo’s told suggested the lead vocals were initially too aggressive. So, Jo bought a new microphone and redid her parts, also learning how to use Logic, the DAW (digital audio work station) and spent many hours comping the flute and piano solos.

Their video for “Canaries(Hot Summer Night)” depicts the band on a steampunk style ship, captained by Jo. They are on a mission to catch a canary. The ship and crew are eventually wrecked and never catch the canary. It’s a metaphor for self-destruction, you want something so bad that you’re willing to ignore red flags.

We spoke with Jo Alexis about the video:

Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

We didn’t actually choose it but trusted the animator to come up with something fabulous! I saw one of his videos on YouTube and looked him up. He does a combination of live action and animation and I thought it would be amazing for this song!

What was the inspiration behind this video?

Honestly, we gave Christian Bolorinos, our director/animator/producer complete creative freedom on this so all of the ideas were his and we showed up in costume and followed direction. He is SUCH a joy to work with and has an incredible sense of humor! I was delighted with the result and so was the wonder world. The video has acquired 136k views on Facebook and is also a favorite on my YouTube channel.

What was the process of making this video?

The process was so much fun! We rented a studio in Portland and showed up in steampunk outfits(during the pandemic so we wore masks except when shooting!). We shot the music video in Portland but our director, animator and script writer, Christian Bolorinos, was in Barcelona. So we FaceTimed with him during the shoot which actually worked out really well! He directed us from Spain and we just followed his directions. I rented boat props like a steering wheel and a nautical telescope and of course, ropes. We used a fan to make it look as if we were in a terrible storm. Here are some cool pics of our shoot with the band in steampunk costumes.