Alessandro - "Alessandro"

Guitarist/Vocalist Alex Diambrini, goes solo to reunite with his Latin and Jazz roots. In this release, Alessandro (his original Italian name) explores his favorite jazz standards, Brazilian grooves and favorites as well as Jazz/Funk and Jazz/Pop originals.

The collection features two songs in Italian. Alessandro's 1995 Rhombus Records Progressive Rock Release DEAMBRA, marked a milestone in Alex's early love for progressive rock, but because of his constant professional involvement with Jazz, Fusion and R&B, he could always see the musical relationship between these styles. Alessandro's light jazz version of Siberian Khatru by Yes is a tribute to those days.

Sample MP3s and download at Amazon Music:

Taylor Sky
Where the Freedom Lies
Tristezza
Afro Blue
Lucky Southern
You Slow Me Down
Telepathy
Show of Life
Siberian Khatru
Roma nun' fa` la Stupida Stasera

Steve Blackwood - "Mood Swings"

Over the last 4 years, Steve (Bart on NBC's Days Of Our Lives), has introduced his unique brand of comedy to the American Public. With recent developments in his TV Character, Steve seized the opportunity to bring forward his first love, music.

His countless fans can't get enough of his swinging/storytellling way with a lyric. Though often compared to Mel Torme and Johnny Mathis, Steve is his own man and is now presenting his new album. A cross between original jazz and blues, with a hint of Swing, some of the tracks include, "It's All Right With Me" (Cole Porter), "Lady Be Good" (George Gershwin), and "Lauren" (an original).

James Janisse, KLON Los Angeles says - "It's the best of Steve Blackwood ... it Swings."

Sample MP3s and download at Amazon Music:

It's All Right With Me
Lady Be Good
Lauren
So Glad You're Mine
What Little A Moonlight Can Do
Angel Eyes
Tell Me What The Reason
Honeysuckle Rose
Nancy
In The Heat Of The Night

Eldad Tarmu - "Get Up Close"

Vibraphonist Eldad Tarmu steps out front on "Get Up Close", his second CD as Leader/Composer. Eldad's first CD as leader was "Aluminum Forest". He then joined forces with guitarist Joe Gaeta and harmonica player Tim Welvaars to record "Trans Atlantic Cool Down" for the Rhombus label. "Trans Atlantic Cool Down" received airplay on over 100 jazz radio stations in the U.S. and numerous reviews in the jazz trades.

"Get Up Close" features Eldad on vibes, Cengiz Yaltkaya on piano, Trevor Ware on bass, Steve Sykes on drums, Ernie Watts, Derrik Davis, Ryan Woodward & Maurice Gainen on reeds, Josh Aguillar on trumpet, Arturo Velasco on trombone, Ron Affif on guitar and Michael Rosen on percussion. All compositions were written & arranged by Eldad.

Sample MP3s and download at Amazon Music:

The Nooze
Get Up Close
Her Story
Minor Burns
The Tourist
Float Above The Rain
Yafo
Planet Blue
In the Air
Deep Inside The Drum

Chris Bennett - "Until The End Of Time"

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Chris Bennett's newest release has a latin flavor and features Eric Marienthal on sax, Wayne Johnson and Kleber Jorge on guitar and many of L.A.'s top musicians from Brazil and Cuba.

Produced by Alec Milstein, formerly of the Jeff Lorber band, Chris brings her sensuous vocal stylings to classics like Jobim's "Someone To Light Up My Life", a very original version of the Bill Withers hit "Use Me", as well as five of her own compositions.

JAZZ TIMES - "... a quietly cool, nearly vibrato-less alto. She gives playful reads of well-worn classics as well as lithe, self-penned gems."

CADENCE JAZZ - "... a winningly warm and clear voice that does not shy away from an intimate and sometimes sexy delivery."

SCOTT YANOW - L.A. TIMES - "A versatile singer whose spine-tingling voice generates soft power."

Sample MP3s and download at Amazon Music:

Use Me
Hopeless Case
On A Summer Night
Until The End Of Time
Flamingo
He's Not Ready For Me
Someone To Light Up My Life
Faster Than Expected
The Lamp Is Low
Once I Loved

Chris Ho - "Picasso Blue"

PICASSO BLUE features new compositions and spectacular performances by guest artists Karen Briggs (Violin), Tony Lewis, Ralph Penland, Dan Portruch, and Gary Wing (Drums & Percussion). PICASSO BLUE displays a unique musical canvas where traditional shades of blue mix with the bright colors of contemporary Jazz.

Sample MP3s and download at Amazon Music:

Bliss
Picasso Blue
Women in Art
28
Arirang
Afterthought
Nuance
Primal Call
Glass is Half Full Blues