Mattias Roos new single featured on Soul&Jazz&Funk.com
If you enjoyed the JD Time Machine’s ‘Celebrate’ you may have noticed that the lovely keyboards came courtesy of Swedish piano man MATTIAS ROOS. For his own latest single, Mr R has teamed up with star jazz guitarist Paul Brown for a catchy, smooth jazz work out, ’Commercial Free’. There’s nothing earth shattering about the disc… it is unashamed smooth jazz after all. But it does allow Mattias and Paul to trade tasty riffs and licks in a most endearing way. It’s out now on Sky Town Records and, of course, it comes “ad free”!
Soultracks.com: A shining final recording from Ronny Jordan
(February 11, 2021) Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” is one of the definitive protest songs of the 1960s. The tune was inspired by a specific protest – the closure of a Los Angeles night club. However, because of the lyrics that paint a picture of young people protesting injustice being judged by the old people in the establishment and harassed by law enforcement, and because it was released in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war, “For What It’s Worth” became an anti-war anthem. In fact, plenty of people think the song is about Vietnam.
Like other socially conscious songs from that era, ranging from “Blowin’ In the Wind” to “Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud),” “For What It’s Worth” has aged very well. The current era of social awareness and unrest was in its early stages when the late, great guitarist Ronny Jordan used his six string to record an unfinished instrumental version of the 60s anthem prior to his tragic death in 2014. U-Nam and Jordan had been friends and collaborators for years.
U-Nam and producer Vernon Clark tracked down the original tapes in hopes of completing the song so that it could be included on album Cool Guitars that is due to drop in February. The updated version gives the track an element of funk and an instrumental conversation between Jordan, U-Nam and bassist Alex Al – a legend in his own right who has provided the bottom for just about everybody. U-Nam’s reimaging of the song honors his late friend and brings back a song that is both timeless and timely. Check out “For What It’s Worth” here.
By Howard Dukes
https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-cool-guitars-for-what-its-worth
Swedish Keyboardist Mattias Roos and American-Danish Smooth Jazz Star Michael Lington are teaming up on “Bring It Up”
| Los Angeles, October 1st, 2020 A Scandinavian smorgasbord of the tastiest kind, Swedish keyboard player Mattias Roos has teamed up with Danish American sax-man Michael Lington for a fresh new take on the wonderful “Bring It On” that first appeared on Roos’ 2019 recording “It Goes On and On”. Going for adds on October 5, this vibrant, groove laden and totally memorable number is not only everything that mid tempo smooth jazz should be but also one of four bonus tracks that can be found on a deluxe edition of “It Goes On and On” which will be released October 2 on the Skytown Records label. As well as “Bring It On” (that is included both as the album version and the radio edit) this deluxe offering also features a stunning high-octane remix of the Mattias Roos composition “Masterpiece” and the brand new never previously recorded “River of Love” that underscores the skill Roos has for fusing smooth jazz grooves with an authentic old school vibe. Although a solo artist and ‘go-to’ keyboard player for several top-flight Swedish performers, many will know Mattias Roos as a founding member of the band Soweco that he formed in 2011 with drummer Peter Gustavsson. Roos has carried some of that distinctive Soweco sound into what is now a burgeoning solo career but with critically acclaimed projects such as “My Story”, “Movin’ Up” and most recently ”It Goes On and On” he has fashioned an identity that is very much his own. As for Michael Lington, since relocating to Los Angeles from Denmark in 1990 he has built a reputation for being one of the most soulful sax players in smooth jazz. He is also a tremendous live player and early opportunities in this respect came when he joined Bobby Caldwell’s renowned touring band. He has also performed as part of a sold out, coast to coast Barry Manilowtour and as Manilow himself put it “Michael Lington is one hell of a sax player. He absolutely brought down the house every night.” As a recording artist Lington’s 1997 eponymous debut set the standard for what was to come and now, ten albums later, he is still essential listening for all those who like their smooth jazz spiced with a modicum of soul. ### https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08JHC72R4/ It Goes on and On (Deluxe Edition) by Mattias Roos https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-goes-on-and-on-deluxe-edition/1532427549 |
First Amazing Review of Andrey Chmut “Soulmate” Album on Smooth-Jazz.de
Ukraine based saxophonist Andrey Chmut has already introduced himself to the smooth jazz community with his debut album Smoothability (2018). Only two years later he presents the successor Soulmate (2020) on the same label Skytown Records.
For his second project he falls back on the proven crew of scenic musicians as listed below. Andrey has written and arranged all tracks. The introducing Night Townfeatures a modern dialog between Andrey and keyboardist Alex Logvinenko which perfectly assimilates in taste and presentation to the American smooth jazz style.
Listening to Dance with Me you get the impression of hearing Peter White in action. Indeed, Gennadii Bondar’s brilliant playing on the acoustic guitar shows many parallels to the iconic guitar player.
With Funky Talk Andrey can show his virtuoso skills and give full steam ahead. After & Aftermakes it clear that Andrey’s style can certainly be compared to that of Marcus Anderson. Arranged with nuances, he serves sax harmonies on a layer of hip-hop beat.
Away from any fashionable wackiness, Andrey celebrates the beauty of a melody on Blessed Day. The up-tempo Wake Up serves explosive hipness. Paradox takes it to the next level with a rocking hip hop beat and a distinctly Ukrainian touch.
But Andrey can also take it very carefully. With Soulmate he gives the gentle vibrations a chance. The grippingly sweet If Only I Could Fly has the romantic hook which excels the tune to something special. At the end Andrey serves us with Beloved Routine exhilarating food that justifies enthusiasm.
Andrey Chmut’s Soulmate is an extraordinary album, which can easily compete with the old masters of the genre. His music justifies great expectations.
Check it out on Smooth-Jazz.de
U-Nam Goes Big Band featured on Estonian National TV News!
U-Nam Goes Big Band featured on Estonian TV news – Long segment about the story and the making of the album, featuring EAU CEO and Producer Mikk Targo.
Watch on YouTube: