3rd Force - Smooth Jazz

3rd Force is a smooth jazz band on the EMI Higher Octave label, consisting of trio William Aura, Craig Dobbin, and Alain Eskinasi.[1] Founded in 1994 by William Aura after a prolific solo career in new-age music, he, Dobbin, and Eskinasi immediately set out working on their self-titled debut album, 3rd Force which was released that same year. After the album's commercial success, the trio continued the studio project with their next release, Force of Nature in 1995. This album garnered an even bigger success than their debut spawning the popular single Here Comes the Night featuring guest guitarist Peter White. After a two-year break, 3rd Force released their 3rd album Vital Force in 1997. The album gained 3rd Force's second hit single You Gotta Be Real once again featuring guest guitarist Peter White. The 4th album, called Force Field, was released in 1999 resulting in another of the band's singles Revelation of the Heart, with guest saxophonist Paul Taylor. In 2000 Higher Octave released a best-of compilation of 3rd Force, entitled Collective Force, which featured the band's best hits in both radio and fan favorites,along with two new songs, Dance With Me and Sweet Surrender. 2002 saw the release of their 5th studio album, Gentle Force, which showcased a mellower jazz sound than the band's usual output. Three years later,3rd Force released Driving Force in 2005. Their latest release showcases a completely opposite style than the previous Gentle Force album which was almost lounge-style mellow jazz in sound. Driving Force, however, features a funky lively jazz mix never before heard in 3rd Force's music. The most popular singles from their latest release are Believe In Me, featuring the trumpeter Greg Adams, keyboardist Jeff Lorber, and guitarist Brian Hughes, and You Got It, featuring guitarist Marc Antoine. After more than a 10 year hiatus, 3rd Force reunited to release "Global Force" in 2016. Throughout the course of their career, 3rd Force has performed with numerous guest musicians including guitarists Peter White, Marc Antoine, Acoustic Alchemy, Grant Geissman, Brian Hughes, Craig Chaquico, Earl Klugh, Shahin Shahida of Shahin and Sepehr, and saxophonists Paul Taylor, Tom Scott, Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, Jimmy Sommers, Bryan Savage, Richard Elliot, Boney James, Eric Darius, Ozzie Ahlers, Euge Groove, Rick Braun, and Lawson Rollins.

3rd Force - Vital Force (1997)

101 North (with George Duke)

In 1987, George Duke formed a R&B group called "101 North", whith Lynn Davis and the big fellows George Duke Band members Josie James, Napoleon Murphy Brock, and Carl Carwell (of Earth, Wind, and Fire). The group released their self-titled debut album in August 1987.

 101 North (1988)

George Duke (Synthesizer)

Paulinho Da Costa (Percussion)

Byron Miller (Bass)

John Robinson, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler (Drums)

Dawilli Gonga (Keyboards)

Carl Carlwell, Ellis Hall, Josie James (Lead Vocals)

Carl Carwell, George Duke, Josie James, Lynn Davis, Napoleon Murphy Brock (Backing Vocals).

The Keyboard Circle - First Class JAZZ!

In 1976, the pianists Rob Franken en Jan Huydts both lived in Soest (Netherlands). They hung out together a lot, and shared their love for newly developed key instruments. Both of them were Fender Rhodes electric piano pioneers. Rob Franken's piano virtuosity is to be recognized on as many as four hundred records. In 1976, he had his own trio and performed with the Dutch funk fusion formation ‘Scope’ from the city of Zwolle. In this band, he met with drummer Henk Zomer, whom he was very impressed with.

At the end of 1975, Rob Franken came to the idea to start a new formation based on the combination of different consonance colors by combining Fender pianos with synthesizers, string cabinets and other electronic key instruments. Jan Huydts, who was experienced in making experimental music through his formations ‘Basic Train’ and ‘Third Eye’, thought this was a good idea. They decided to arrange their key instruments in a circle during their performances and so the ‘The Keyboard Circle’ was born.

The two musicians composed their own repertoire out of their own compositions and music covers. For example, on this record we find the Scopesong ‘Tamotua’, Kenny Dorham’s ‘Blue Bossa’ and Eddie Henderson’s ‘The Kumquat Kids’. They decided to play the bass lines themselves, one by one, on a bass synth, while the other was playing his solo. The drums of Henk Zomer, clearly inspired by Jack DeJonetthe and Tony Williams, became the driving force.

Soon after a few rehearsals the first performances took place. One of these first performances is to be found on this CD, recorded on February 8, 1976 in youth centre ‘De Trucker’ in Pijnacker, near The Hague. Han Reiziger, producer for VPRO radio had a craze for special jazz music and was not afraid to show his admiration for Rob Franken's work. He is the instigator of this special recording, that for reasons that aren't clear were never broadcasted. Whilst researching for a radio documentary the maker ran up against these tapes, which everyone had forgotten existed.

To begin with, the soundscape that reveals itself to you when listening to ‘The Keyboard Circle’ is a unique product of its time. Grounded in the mid seventies it’s no less than the works of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea of those days. Exuberant swing and virtuous solos will find their way through your core. At the same time, the music is subdued in a typically Dutch manner. Most importantly, this music has its own sound, which can't compare to anything you’ve ever heard before.

Unfortunately, ‘The Keyboard Circle’ died at a young age. While Franken was Jean ‘Toots’ Thielemans' regular pianist, he had multiple radio and television performances, taught at the conservatory and above all, he was one of the most frequently programmed Dutch musicians during the seventies. Because of the immense amount of gigs Rob Franken was offered, performances were frequently cancelled at short notice. For this reason, Jan Huydts decided to quit after a while. This became irreversible by the sudden death of Rob Franken in 1983. Unfortunately, no record was ever released. Now this time has come. By listening to the CD you finally have the chance to get to know ‘The Keyboard Circle’. This rectification in the history of Dutch jazz music was a necessary one. And so: the circle is round. 

https://www.reddit.com/r/listentothis/comments/4a3a64/the_keyboard_circle_the_kumquat_kids_jazz_1976/

The Keyboard Circle (1976)

Psychotic Aztecs

The Psychotic Aztecs are without doubt the brain child of Tito Larriua as he produced and wrote all the songs. Tito has several albums with his group "Tito and Tarnatula" and his mark is all over this CD. Tito, who hails from Ciudad Juarez and grew up in El Paso, Texas, sings songs of the border experience. Tito, who is now part of the LA scene has been recording for years and has even done some acting. He has worked with Robert Rodriquez of "El Mariachi" fame and even had a bit part in the movie. The soundtrack to the film "EL Mariachi" contain three tracks by "Tito and Tarantula", including the cool tracks for the wild bar fight scene. This is an album that hits you for it's grittyness and pure old time rock and roll with a twist, very twisted. Some songs are reminiscent of the early work of the "Doors" complete with haunting lyrics, great guitar riffs and sudden drops and crescendos in the rhythms that set a chaotic then peaceful mood."Salmame" is a sort of Norteno-Punk tune that is rapid fire to mid-tempo to rapid fire music with superb guitar work. "Puro" is a song that tells a tale of the border clashes complete with reference to LA Migra and his joy in being "puro Mexicano y que no me voy". The music for the most part is a sort of dark, rhythmn and blues mixture of modern songs of the Southwest. "Bella Marruilla" is a number that slowly builds up to a masterful blending of guitar riffs that have you wondering where the song is going. Enjoy the ride as Tito takes you along for a desert ride, on a horse in search of the elusive wonders of life. This song would fit well as a backdrop for a movie, trippy stuff. The landscapes are yours to paint as there are no lyrics to this instrumental song, just beautiful music. "Agente Secreto" sounds an awful lot to me like "Secret Agent Man" of pop fame years ago only in Spanish . The "Psychotic Aztecs" are Tito, lead vocals and guitar, Steven Medina, guitar, John Avila, bass and vocals and Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez on drums and percussion. A very good CD that will get a lot of play once you get it. It takes several listens to understand their sound but make no doubt these guys are uniquely talented. This is about as uncommercial as it gets, raw, southwest music in search of a soul in the desert.

Enrique Torres

(http://www.amazon.com/Santa-Sangre-Psychotic-Aztecs/dp/B00000HZFW)

Psychotic Aztecs - Santa Sangre

Diesel Therapy - UK Folk Rock

Diesel Therapy is a four piece band from the North East of England. You would somehow expect a band that has the initials DT to be into alcohol fuelled, happy-go-lucky, timeless, noisy, bar room filled, leather clad, rock and roll but, actually, they are something of a laid back country band. They can surprise though. They can rock and roll if and whenever they want to, and they can even do a little bit of Little Feat if they choose – all that neat, syncopated shuffle, Southern Country rock charm; Diesel Therapy can do more than the obvious.

Mad Dog Boogie (2016)

The Cyborgs - ROCK di ITALIA...

Eles vêm de 2110, em uma tentativa de mudar o destino do nosso futuro (e seu presente) tentando manter vivo o blues, caso contrário, destinado a desaparecer do planeta Terra. Banda de dois homens, The Cyborgs é uma das últimas novidades interessantes do underground italiano, e eles estão conseguindo conquistar um grande público, graças ao álbum de estréia, TheCyborgs (INRI). Ambos os membros da banda se vestem de preto e tem os rostos cobertos com máscaras para soldadores: a voz da banda - Cyborg 0 - canta através de um microfone ligado ao interior da máscara e toca guitarra, enquanto Cyborg 1 lida com a seção rítmica tocando bateria e teclado. Mas ninguém sabe quem eles são...

Cyborgs - Extreme Boogie (2015)

ADA LE FOL - France Prog Rock

Ada le Fol is another example of the French underground of bands that played in that unique French theatrical progressive rock style made so popular by Ange and Mona Lisa. This is more under produced and amateurish, just as Trefle and Grime are, but that's where the appeal lies. It's creativity at its most raw. Vocalist does a fine job at the Decamps style, whilst the keys and guitar keep the progressive quotient alive. There's one throwaway good times rock and roller on Side 1 to endure, but otherwise this is a strong example of the style.

Les Années D'Errance (1980)

Terje Rypdal - Norwegian Jazz

Terje Rypdal (born 23 August 1947) is a Norwegian guitarist and composer. Most of his music has been released on albums of the German record label ECM. Rypdal has collaborated both as a guitarist and as a composer with other ECM artists such as Ketil Bjørnstad and David Darling. Over the years, he has been an important member in the Norwegian jazz community, and has also given show concerts with guitarists Ronni Le Tekrø and Mads Eriksen as "N3". Rypdal was born in Oslo, the son of a composer and orchestra leader. He studied classical piano and trumpet as a child, and then taught himself to play guitar as he entered his teens. Starting out as a Hank Marvin-influenced rock guitarist with The Vanguards, Rypdal turned towards jazz in 1968 and joined Jan Garbarek's group and later George Russell's sextet and orchestra. An important step towards international attention was his participation in the free jazz festival in Baden-Baden, Germany, in 1969, where he was part of a band led by Lester Bowie. During his musical studies at Oslo university and conservatory, he led the orchestra of the Norwegian version of the musical Hair. He has often been recorded on the ECM record label, both jazz-oriented material and classical compositions (some of which do not feature Rypdal's guitar). His compositions "Last Nite" and "Mystery Man" were featured in the Michael Mann film Heat, and included on the soundtrack of the same name...

Odyssey (1975)

Personnel:

- Terje Rypdal - guitar, string ensemble, soprano sax

- Tornbjørn Sunde - trombone

- Brynjulf Blix - organ

- Sveinung Hovensjø - 6 & 4-string fender bass

- Svein Christiansen - drums

Absolution - Blues Rock Trio

One of the UK's finest emerging blues trios return with their second studio album. Terrific songwriting and exquisite musicianship help craft this 12 track album. From the foot tapping rock of Giving It Up, to the burning slow groove of Left In The Corner, this is an album for music lovers and blues rock fans in particular! 

Absolution’s second studio album, Dusty Road, is the band’s follow-up effort to 2012’s Issues. They split the two by filling the bus and taking their music to the road, which gave way to their live release. The trio stem from England, but the music reaches much further. Their smooth vocals and ear for the blues make them a modern blues machine. The album ranges from heavy riffs to soft, tasteful licks, a true balancing act. Lead vocalist Joe Fawcett brings a cool, collected delivery to each verse. Their simple, powerful riffs drive catchy tracks such as “Giving It Up” and “Lay Me To Rest”; both energetic, upbeat jams. On the other end, their intricate guitar work gives way to some suave tunes like “Don’t Know Where.” On “Head For Trouble,” the heaviest of them all, the trio turns the distortion high, juxtaposing low, gritty riffs with high ranging vocals a-la Clapton. Absolution brings the blues to the modern music front, with shades of classic rock and blues artists alike. Their second studio album is packed full of tunes every blues fan should check out. With everything from searing solo work to pounding drums to delicate vocals, their sound weaves a tasteful take on the blues.

Dusty Road (2014)

A Perfect Circle - Alternative Rock

A Perfect Circle é um supergrupo de rock alternativo, formado pelo guitarrista Billy Howerdel e o vocalista da banda Tool, Maynard James Keenan. Durante a gravação do álbum Ænima do Tool Billy mostrou suas canção para o vocalista da banda, Maynard James Keenan, que logo se ofereceu como vocalista caso Howerdel viesse a formar uma banda. A banda lançou três álbuns, Mer de Noms, Thirteenth Step e eMOTIVe, e um conjunto de CD/DVD, aMotion, este contendo treze videoclipes, além de um número de remixes de algumas músicas criados por Danny Lohner e outros artistas. Em 2004, a banda entrou em hiato, e desde então os membros da banda têm trabalhado em outros projetos. Em setembro de 2008, Keenan anunciou em entrevistas que ele e Howerdel vinham trabalhando em material novo, terminando oficialmente o hiato do grupo. No entanto, a banda só se tornou realmente ativa cerca de dois anos depois, em setembro de 2010, quando a banda anunciou turnê e o lançamento de novas músicas que podem ou não ser sob a forma de um novo álbum. Em 27 de outubro de 2010, a banda fez sua primeira aparição na televisão desde o hiato no Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Em 2011 fez uma turnê norte-americana, passando em 24 cidades. Em Abril do mesmo anos a banda postou em seu Twitter que estava trabalhando em novas músicas. Em 29 de Junho de 2011 o grupo lançou uma nova música chamada By and Down. Em outubro de 2012 confirmou duas apresentações na América do Sul, no festival Lollapalooza, no Brasil e no Chile. O grupo se apresentou no Brasil dia 30 de Março de 2013. E em outubro Josh Freese anunciou em seu Twitter que deixou a banda, sem nenhuma intenção de retornar...

Mer De Noms (2000)

A Passing Fancy - Folk Psych Rock

A Passing Fancy was a Toronto band from the mid-1960s fronted by the singer-songwriter and guitarist Jay Telfer, today publisher and editor of the antique collector's magazine Wayback Times, and Dr. Brian Price, president of In The Game Hockey Cards. The band's debut single, Telfer's “I’m Losing Tonight”, released in February 1967, reached No. 22 on the CHUM chart the following month. While its follow up, “You’re Going Out Of Your Mind” only made No. 37 in June, the group's third single for Columbia, “I Believe in Sunshine” restored some faith by reaching No. 28 in September. By then, Steve Wilson had left and Louis Pratile joined on drums. During the summer of 1967, A Passing Fancy played at Expo ’67 in Montreal where they jammed with local band, Les Tetes Blanches. The moderate success of the singles, prompted Columbia to finance a fourth single, “People In Me”, was listed at No. 48 and failed to chart anymore when it was released in December. Telfer's demanding need to practice was met with little enthusiasm by Price who was completing his third year in university and wanted to pursue a career in dentistry. In March 1968, Price quit. Although Telfer was recognized as the musical leader of the group, Price was the founder and spiritual and business leader. His leaving the band had a major impact on Seon and Mann. A Passing Fancy carried on by replacing Price with Fergus Hambleton on organ and vocals and Brian Smith who contributed a third folky guitar but the chemistry of the band was never the same. After shooting at the CBC, playing the first Let's Go TV show in colour and performing that same night at the Granite club, Telfer was told by the Wal-Dan management that he would no longer be in the group. Unhappy over the new direction Seon and Mann left shortly thereafter. A few months later, in June 1968, the remaining members of the band also left.

A Passing Fancy (1968)

Phantom Freak - Surf Mood Rock

AllMusic Review by Hal Horowitz 

This rather shadowy figure -- the CD's only picture of him is bathed in darkness -- was once lead guitarist for the deliciously named Dutch group the Treble Spankers who, the publicity notes state, were one of Europe's most popular surf bands. Phantom Frank's debut solo release uses that genre as a starting point, but veers into other styles during its nearly one hour playing time. Frank -- whose last name is nowhere to be found -- plays all the instruments in a tour de force performance that never drags. Although it might grab at retro straws, it is never stuffy, musty or predictable. A few mostly female vocals punctuate the instrumentals as the musician tears from the Dick Dale-styled intensity of "Punjabi" to the cha cha, Spaghetti Western twang of "Vermona" -- one of three extra tracks added for the album's U.S. release. The recording, mixing, and production, also all done by Frank, perfectly capture the often spooky ambiance, especially on Ennio Morricone-inspired tracks such as "Kapuna" with tape delay echo hovering over the track. "Fata Morgana" displays Frank's talents on the lap steel, an instrument perfect for this style. He flies to Hawaii for further lap steel adventures on "Dusseldorf HBF." A Middle Eastern vibe saturates "Darshan," which brings even more international intrigue with an accordion adding flavor. "Condition Black" brings an ominous vibes and a thudding, sparse drumbeat to the table, creating one of the album's most eerie, disconcerting, and atmospheric tunes. Most impressive is that this set doesn't have the insular feel of a one-man recording. The songs are spacious, open and never overly busy. Frank overdubs himself as he finds the sweet spot in these 17 short yet never abbreviated and perfectly imagined tracks, which are not just for the surf inclined.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/phantom-frank-mw0000734533

Dead Man Surfin' (2004)

Twang! A Tribute to Hank Marvin & The Shadows (1996)

For the first years of the swinging 60s, the unique sound of The Shadows held sway over the airways, a hit factory that was responsible for such inimitable instrumental hits as "FBI", "Kon Tiki", "The Savage", "Wonderful Land", "Dance On", "Foot Tapper", singles which effortlessly recall an era. The Shadows dominated the hit parade, clocking up more weeks on the charts than The Rolling Stones, The Beegees, The Who... The most successful British group of all time apart from The Beatles. As a testament to The Shadows influence, one of the earlier Beatle compositions and the only John Lennon/George Harrison collaboration was an instrumental entitled "Cry For A Shadow". A generation grew up admiring the look and sound of The Shadows - Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor and Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler, are only some of the home grown superstars who have testified to The Shadows influence. While in Toronto, a teenage Neil Young was to later admit that hearing Hank Marvin's guitar was his first formative musical experience. A very novel tribute record, Twang spotlights the music of Hank Marvin and the Shadows. Clearly one of the biggest influences on surf as well as British rock & roll, the Shadows' music (aside from their work with Cliff Richard) was always marked by a clean precision that welded R&B, country, rock and other influences perfectly. The re-recordings here bear this out. One of the finest is the collaboration of Randy Bachman and Neil Young on "Spring Is Nearly Here." It's a gorgeous arrangement, augmented by Young's trademark intensity. Several other standouts include testimonials by Peter Frampton, Peter Green, Brian May, and others. A real must for fans of the art of the electric guitar. 

Twang! A Tribute to Hank Marvin & The Shadows (1996)

01. Apache - Ritchie Blackmore

02. FBI - Brian May

03. Wonderful Land - Tony Iommi

04. The Savage - Steve Stevens

05. The Rise & Fall of Flingel Bunt - Hank Marvin

06. Midnight - Peter Green & Splinter Group

07. Spring Is Nearly Here - Neil Young & Randy Bachman

08. Atlantis - Mark Knopfler

09. The Frightened City - Peter Frampton

10. Dance On - Keith Urban

11. Stingray - Andy Summers

12. The Stranger - Bela Fleck & The Flecktones

Fanny - Female Rock Band

Fanny was an American all-female band, active in the early 1970s. They were one of the first notable rock groups to be made up entirely of women, the third to sign with a major label (after Goldie & the Gingerbreads and the Pleasure Seekers), and the first to release an album on a major label (in 1970). They achieved two top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and released five albums.

Original line-up:

Jean Millington: bass guitar, vocals

June Millington: guitar, vocals

Nickey Barclay: keyboards, vocals

Alice de Buhr: drums, vocals

Later members:

Patti Quatro: guitar, vocals

Brie Howard: drums, vocals

Cam Davis: drums

Wendy Haas: keyboards, vocals

Padi Moschetta: percussion, vocals

Rock And Roll Survivors (1974)

Mainstream Masters - JAZZ

Uma seleção de Jazz Masters...

Mainstream Masters