Paradigm creates anthems for the subconscious. The music flits in and out of genres and moods: at times heavy and driving, sometimes funky and joyous, and other times drifting in dreamy sonic explorations. It is ambient, yet harmonically complex, with powerful themes that propel the music ever forward. Paradigm constructs memorable melodies that haunt the mind for days on end, providing a soundtrack to the movie that is life.
A respected session and sideman, British blues pianist and composer Jon Cleary has worked with rock, blues, and soul artists like Bonnie Raitt, D'Angelo, Maria Muldaur, Taj Mahal, and Eric Clapton. Originally a guitarist, Cleary began playing at age five, and started his first band at 15. Raised on blues, jazz, and soul records, his love of new orleans blues and jazz in particular took him across the ocean after he graduated from art school.
Tomasz Stanko’s smouldering Slavic soul music and grainy-toned trumpet finds a new context on “Dark Eyes”. Like his hero Miles Davis, the Polish jazz master also has an impressive record as talent scout and mentor, and his latest ensemble pools young players from the North of Europe. Tomasz has had strong connections to Finland in particular since the early 1970s when he was part of Edward Vesala’s creative circle. Now he welcomes two prodigiously gifted Finns into his group, pianist Alexi Tuomarila and drummer Olavi Louhviuori, both expressive and imaginative players.
Fresh, for now, as a progressive rock market band, the Swiss trio named COWBOYS FROM HELL is yet an interesting-looking new group, with their debut album (recorded in 2007 but released only up in the first months of 2008) sounding pretty slick. Combining the ideal of entertaining fresh music with those of funk-jazz sessions, creative band strumming and deep, at times improvised, rock, the result of their music and activity goes overall the same...
Maceo Parker (born February 14, 1943) is a noted African-American funk and soul jazz saxophone player, best known for his contributions to James Brown's distinct sound. He was born in Kinston, North Carolina in a musically-rich environment. His mother and father sang in a church and both his brothers are accomplished musicians (drums and trombones). He and his brother, Melvin Parker, joined James Brown in 1964; in his book Brown says that he originally wanted Melvin as his drummer but agreed to take Maceo under his wing as part of the deal.
The Basement Big Band flaunts luscious brass, spicy rhythms and features many of Australia's flirtiest musicians.
With a nod to harlem’s cotton club or new orleans’ preservation hall they deliver their fiery brand of swinging riffs and infectious dance rhythms. They are a must see for lovers of swing music and are irresistibly danceable.
Tinpan Orange have spent the past year making themselves at home in the live music venues and jazz clubs of Melbourne, sharing the stage with artists such as Renee Geyer, The Whitlams, Clare Bowditch, Deborah Conway, Pete Murray and Tim Rogers. Having enjoyed the success of their first independent album, Aroona Palace, Tinpan Orange are almost bursting at seams to lay down the next one, beginning recording in late October 2006. The evolution of the live Tinpan sound will be captured at its richest point yet.
Hollie Smith (born 1983) is a female soul singer from New Zealand. In 1999, as a 16 year old, Smith recorded her album Light From a Distant Shore after winning Best Female Vocalist at the National Jazz Festival of New Zealand. The album of Celtic music was produced by her stepfather who was a well-known musician in New Zealand. In 2003, Smith moved to Wellington (New Zealand) singing with Trinityroots. She recorded an album Home, Land and Sea and toured with the band.
