SV Media Relations: News/Press Releases

“You may have never heard the flute played like this until you’ve heard Bradley Leighton,” wrote Susan Frances of JazzReview.com. “He turns the flute into whatever instrument he wants it to be.” A remarkable performer, Bradley Leighton kicks off his summer “Music For Life” tour schedule with fire and flair on June 5^th at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Oceanside, CA and continues the journey by being one of the featured artists at the Carlyle Club for the Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert on June 11th. The event hosts a hot line up of musicians that include: Art Sherrod Jr, Ronny Smith, Al Williams III and a special guest appearance by Washington D.C. recording artists, Saltman Knowles. With all of these talented, swinging and funky musicians on one stage it is a guaranteed good time for all. Then on June 13^th Leighton is the featured artist at the Takoma Park Jazz Festival along with five-time Downbeat Best New Artist winner, Jeremy Pelt and the D.C. All-Stars, led by Chuck Redd. For the first time this year, the Takoma Park Jazz Festival will present a free master class with Pelt, Leighton and Redd on their respective instruments. As a Yamaha Performing Artist and flute coach, Bradley is known for his dedication to education in the arts and has developed his own workshop program, “Music For Life,” that was inspired by his own painful experience of almost losing the ability to play the flute due to a serious spinal neck condition. He went to Germany to have an experimental and somewhat risky ADR (artificial disk replacement) operation that changed his life and left him with what he likes to call “a bionic neck.” Bradley shares his deep appreciation and enthusiasm through his music on this concert tour. For more information about the “Music For Life Tour” go to, http://www.BradleyLeighton.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

 

 “Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:

June 5 – 7:30 p.m. Sunshine Brooks Theatre, Oceanside, CA, http://www.sunshinebrookstheatre.com

June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com

June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html

June 17 -7:30 p.m. The Greenwich, Cincinnati, OH www.the-greenwich.com

June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com

June 20 -7:00 p.m.  Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com

June 19 - 7:00 p.m. Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Columbus, OH with Fo/Mo/Deep http://www.juneteenthohio.net/index.htm

June 23 - 7:00 p.m. Cosmopolitan Lounge, Des Moines, IA http://www.800locust.com/lounge/

June 25 - 11:30 a.m. Ames Summer Festival, Ames, IA

June 25 - 7:00 p.m. Java Joe’s, Des Moines, IA  www.jjch.com

June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/

July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/

August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/

September 25 - 11:30 am. Smooth Jazz & High Desert, Adelanto, CA.

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An amazing wealth of extensive information that combines historical research, practical application, accurate lighting, shooting and set up for the very first time in one book!

 

Ventura, CA (PRWEB) March 17, 2010 -- If you want to make movies with green screen compositing technology, The Green Screen Handbook, written by author, producer and motion graphics specialist Jeff Foster, is just for you. Published by Sybex (Wiley) this unique guide is a comprehensive how-to of professional

production techniques, step-by-step instruction, and tips that can save you time and money. Learn when to use green screens instead of blue, find out how the pros operate in professional studios and get amazing results—even on a shoestring budget.

Topics include matting and keying basics; setups using fabric, portable background panels, or paint; lighting and digital camera essentials; broadcast TV hardware switchers; professional HD and major motion picture compositing; multiple-colored screen composites (background, foregrounds, and objects); directing storyboards and talent; working with virtual sets; motion tracking; and much more. A DVD accompanies the book that includes sample footage and all project files for each chapter.

According to Foster, "No one yet has provided this kind of extensive information that combines historical research, practical application, accurate lighting, shooting and set up in one book. My passion for this subject combined with twenty years experience hopefully has resulted in a project that will raise the level of green screen production from the novice to the professional." The Green Screen Handbook retails for $49.99 US and is available at TheGreenScreenHandbook.com and distributed through book retailers worldwide.

ISBN: 978-0-470-52107-6

Publisher: Sybex (Wiley) March 15, 2010

Paperback: 384 pages

"The Green Screen Handbook book has it all: interesting historical notes, edifying technical background, practical pre-production tips, and honest comparisons of various hardware and software tools that can help you in your compositing work. Anyone who is about to tackle a compositing job that involves keying should spend a few hours with Jeff's book first. It'll be time well spent." - Todd Kopriva, Adobe

"Jeff Foster has written the ultimate Green Screen Handbook . . . a must-have educational resource for anyone wanting to learn and master this highly demanded video technique." - Rod Harlan, Layers Magazine

"This is THE handbook for anyone working with green screen. Everything you need to know is covered in detail."- Colin Smith, PhotoshopCAFE

About Jeff Foster

Jeff has been producing and training for traditional and digital images, photography, illustration, motion graphics, and special effects for DV and film for over 20 years. His clients include Tribune Broadcasting, Motorola, Nestle, McDonnell Douglas, FOX Television, Spike TV, Discovery/TLC, Universal Studios, and Disney. His best-selling book title, "After Effects and Photoshop - Animation and Production Effects for DV and Film," provides tips and tricks for creating believable animations and reveals special effects secrets the professionals have been using for years. Jeff has written or contributed to several After Effects and Photoshop books and has been a featured speaker at Macworld, Photoshop World, Adobe MAX and NAB conferences.

Besides corporate and private training Jeff is part of a team of Adobe application instructors at onlineinstruct.com. Jeff can be contacted through his company at: www.pixelpainter.com.

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San Diego, CA – October 30, 2009 – Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton will do two events in the Southern California area to celebrate the October release of his latest CD, Endless Highway, on the San Diego based Pacific Coast Jazz label. The recording has been getting outstanding recognition and airplay throughout the country with special attention to the single hit,“That Wayman Smile.” The song pays homage to his friend and mentor, professional basketball player and bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale who recently lost his battle with cancer. “That Wayman Smile” was prominently featured in a performance during the induction of Tisdale into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

Braxton will perform that track and other songs from the album as part of his Los Angeles CD release party on Thursday, November 12th at The Wave’s Live Jazz Thursdays held at the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens starting at 6:00 PM. Then on Sunday, November 15th he will celebrate his Orange County CD release at The Cellar in Long Beach as part of the One Soul Jazz Series hosted by U-Nam at 6:00 PM. Braxton who was a long time member of Tisdale’s band has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross along with opening concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, David Benoit and The Crusaders. For more information about the events go to: http://www.TomBraxton.com.

San Diego, CA – October 30, 2009 – Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton will be featured on KDAF-TV (The 33 CW), DFW Close Up Show, in Dallas, TX this Sunday, November 1st at 7:00 A.M. His latest CD, Endless Highway, has been getting recognition and airplay throughout the country with special attention to the single hit “That Wayman Smile.” The song pays homage to his friend and mentor, professional basketball player and bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale who recently lost his battle with cancer. “That Wayman Smile” was prominently featured in a performance during the induction of Tisdale into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

Braxton will perform that track and others on the DFW Morning Show and discuss the upcoming Home Grown Concert/CD Release Party to be held at Lakewood Theater on Thursday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will benefit the Dallas Furniture Bank and will also feature Richmond Punch and The GRITZ. Braxton who was a long time member of Tisdale’s band has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross along with opening concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, David Benoit and The Crusaders

For more information, visit http://dallasfurniturebank.org/savethedate.htm or: http://www.the33tv.com/community/dfwcloseup/. For more information about Tom Braxton, interviews or to hear audio clips visit http://www.TomBraxton.com or contact Joy Foster at SVMediaRelations@gmail.com or 310-487-0048.

San Diego, CA – October 25, 2009 – Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton’s song “That Wayman Smile” from his current release Endless Highway was chosen to honor the late Wayman Tisdale during the Annual Induction Banquet Gala for the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. The event was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 also paying tribute to Bob Wills, Steve Pryor, Dr. Stephen Wiley, Olivia Duhon and John C. Wooley.

“That Wayman Smile” has been receiving a tremendous amount of airplay from radio across the country along with his latest CD, Endless Highway, released on the San Diego based Pacific Coast Jazz label on October 6, 2009. Joined by an outstanding array of instrumentalists and vocalists, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove-oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long. Endless Highway lifts Braxton to a new level of artistry as he pays homage to his friend and mentor, professional basketball player and bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale who recently lost his battle with cancer.

Braxton who was a long time member of Tisdale’s band has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross along with opening concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, David Benoit and The Crusaders. He has been featured in media and publications such as JAZZIZ, Smooth Jazz News, CBS’s The Saturday Early Show, BET’s Jazz Central, CNN, NBC’s Inside Stuff and many others. “Creating music that brings people joy is my mission in life,” says Tom. Looks like he has accomplished his mission on Endless Highway. For more information, interviews or to hear audio clips visit http://www.TomBraxton.com or contact Joy Foster at SVMediaRelations@gmail.com or 310-487-0048.

San Diego, CA – October 21, 2009 – Saltman Knowles, called “a fine example of all that is good in contemporary jazz,” once again stays true to melody and original composition in their latest release on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, Yesterday’s Man. On the heels of their critically acclaimed fifth CD, Return of the Composer, bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles have produced a sophisticated yet rhythmically driven statement with a fresh point of view that illustrates the importance of combining intricate song craft with introspective emotion. Lori Williams-Chisholm returns to provide what JazzTimes calls “her exquisite wordless vocals” encased in a sultry, smooth sound.
But what makes this release most uniquely distinctive is Victor Provost’s soprano steel pan instrumentation laced throughout the compositions, combining elements of the traditional music of Trinidad with the hard-hitting contemporary jazz swing. This amazing combination of jazz and world music textures is thematic, telling a broader story of the beauty of past traditions blending with a conscious, acoustic future. As Saltman Knowles describes, “Yesterday's man dressed well, and was articulate, well-educated, and less medicated. He had sophisticated tastes, integrity, and a much longer attention span, and most of all he listened to good melodic music. Even yesterday’s gangsters pulled their pants up, and took your money—not your life. Yesterday’s man possessed a lot of qualities that the man of today should be striving for and some of those qualities are on this recording.”
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to represent Saltman Knowles once again after the success of the last CD,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. “This new disc blends the tradition of jazz, world and contemporary sounds while maintaining a high compositional level of musicianship.” Nichols’ label has teamed up with SV Media Relations for publicity and radio promoter Neal Sapper of New World ‘N Jazz for access to international media buying and radio promotion. Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is an independent jazz label that also offers artist management services. All PCJ artists are distributed worldwide by MVD Audio/Big Daddy Music. For information on Pacific Coast Jazz, visit: www.pacificcoastjazz.com. For more information about Saltman Knowles visit: http://www.SaltmanKnowles.com. For a review copy, interviews or other media issues contact: Joy Foster, svmediarelations@gmail.com.

San Diego, CA – September 14, 2009 – Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton’s latest release, “Endless Highway,” takes you on the ride of your life. Joined by an outstanding array of instrumentalists and vocalists, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove-oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long. “Endless Highway,” His second release on the San Diego-based Pacific Coast Jazz label, lifts Braxton to a new level of artistry as he pays homage to his friend and mentor, professional basketball player and bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale who recently lost his battle with cancer. The highly anticipated new recording is scheduled for national release on October 6, 2009. To hear audio clips visit Tom Braxton’s website at: http://www.TomBraxton.com.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to represent Tom Braxton’s most impressive CD to date,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. “This new disc highlights Braxton as a composer, producer and arranger along with six of his original compositions that feature his effortless transition from soprano, alto and tenor saxophones to showcasing his versatility on piano, keyboards and flute.” Nichols’ label has teamed up with publicist Joy Foster of SV Media Relations and radio promoter Cliff Gorov at All That Jazz for access to international media buying and radio promotion.

Braxton has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross along with opening concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, David Benoit and The Crusaders. He has been featured in media and publications such as JAZZIZ, Smooth Jazz News, CBS’s The Saturday Early Show, BET’s Jazz Central, CNN, NBC’s Inside Stuff and many others. Without a doubt, “Endless Highway” will drive Tom Braxton to the top of the charts while we take a trip with his inspiring tunes at home or on the road. So get ready to pack your bags, roll down the windows and crank up the volume in the “Braxton tradition.” “Creating music that brings people joy is my mission in life,” says Tom. Looks like he has accomplished his mission on “Endless Highway.”

Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is an independent jazz label that also offers artist management services. All PCJ artists are distributed worldwide by MVD Audio/Big Daddy Music. For information on Pacific Coast Jazz, visit: www.pacificcoastjazz.com. For more information and interviews with Tom Braxton, visit www.TomBraxton.com or contact Joy Foster at SVMediaRelations@gmail.com or 310-487-0048.

In A World of Female Bassists, Mimi Jones Sets the Bar
With Her Debut CD “A New Day”
To Be Released on Hot Tone Music September 15, 2009”

(New York, NY June 27, 2009) With the musical world buzzing about Esperanza Spalding it’s no wonder that the timing is perfect for the release of yet another extraordinary female bassist, composer and vocalist. Introducing Mimi Jones and her debut CD “A New Day” (Hot Tone Music) set for release on September 15th, 2009. Mimi Jones recently gave a sneak preview of her debut CD during the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the prestigious Kennedy Center along with performances featuring the world's top female jazz artists including: Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra, Janis Siegel, Carmen Lundy, the Maria Schneider Orchestra and Esperanza Spalding. Mimi’s inspiring debut recording,” A New Day” is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of her sultry voice. The music is a rich assortment of rhythmic statements, musical textures, and compositional variations all flawlessly executed by Mimi Jones (acoustic bass, electric bass, vocals, composer, arranger, and assistant producer), Marvin Sewell (acoustic and electric guitars), Miki Hayama (piano, key board and Wurlitzer), Marcus Gilmore (drums), Lucianna Padmore (drums on tracks 1 and 11) and Ambrose Akinmisure (trumpet). The title of the CD speaks of embracing a changing world with a positive point of view while maintaining the courage to move forward just as the new persona and alter ego, Mimi Jones, was transformed from “side man” Miriam Sullivan in order to fully express her individual messages of change and personal evolution. Songs like “Fast Lane,” “Spiral,” “Watch Your Step” and “Mighty Time” send those messages by allowing the music to take shape without fear of definition and genre restriction. The concept is to cross borders and to reach out to a broader perception of time, space and rhythm. Mimi’s philosophy is profound, yet simple, “It’s important to me that this music is for everyone. I believe that I have a calling to heal and make people feel good so I want to pass on what comes to me musically. Hopefully this music will make our world a little bit better.” For more information go to http://www.MimiJonesMusic.com or contact Joy Foster at SV Media Relations – SVMediaRelations@gmail.com.

Miriam Sullivan (aka Mimi Jones) was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx by parents that descended from Barbados and St.Croix, which explains why Mimi has so many musical influences that flow easily through her compositional style. A graduate from Manhattan School of Music Conservatory she studied early on with world-class bassist, Lisle Atkinson and saxophonist Charles Davis at the Jazz Mobile Workshop. She also studied, attended workshops or mentored with Barry Harris, Ron Carter, Milt Hinton, Dr. Billy Taylor, Yusef Latif, Max Roach, and Latin bass techniques with Guillermo Edgehill. Since then “side man” Miriam Sullivan (aka Mimi Jones) has gone on to share the stage with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rachel Z, Sean Jones, Kenny Barron, Jesse Davis, Ingrid Jenson, Kevin Mahogany, Denis Charles, Joshua Redman and Onaje Allan Gumbs just to name a few. She has even toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. In 2003, Miriam Sullivan co founded the group ”Jazz Sabroson” with drummer Antonio De Vivo and was commissioned by the Kennedy Center and Department of State to participate in the international program of cultural exchange performing in Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Barbados, Jamaica, Nevis and the Dominican Republic. The group was elected in 2006 by the Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center to participate in the Rhythm Abroad Program, this time traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco and Algeria. Later on Miriam returned to Mali with guitarist Steve Bloom, where the two diligently worked with Malian students of all ages, exploring the possibilities of musical expansion, and gladly partaking in the cultural exchange. Miriam explains that going into the motherland of Africa is always a heart-felt experience and continues to change her outlook on life. She constantly looks for new opportunities in which to aid her brothers and sisters abroad as well as at home with her own organization “The Girls Group” located in the South Bronx. A recurring face since 2000 at the Kennedy Center’s annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival in Washington D.C. as Miriam Sullivan (playing in bands led by pianist Rachel Z and Joanne Brackeen), Mimi Jones brought her own project to the stage on May 14, 2009 premièring her debut release, “A New Day.” Mimi Jones has already appeared at the Kitano Hotel, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, the Puffin Foundation, and Sista’s Place. She was recently the featured artist on the cover of “No Treble Magazine”, the “Pick of the Year” for most creative artist by Dick Metcalf of “Improvijazzation Nation” and Chris Spector of “Midwest Record” said, “she’s got a lot on the ball and it seems like this is only the beginning.”
For more information go to http://www.MimiJonesMusic.com or contact Joy Foster at SV Media Relations – SVMediaRelations@gmail.com.

At The Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival
Featuring a sneak preview of the debut CD release “A New Day”

(Washington, D.C., May 12, 2009) Mimi Jones brings her “magic sounds on the bass” to the Kennedy Center premiering her soon to be released debut CD, “A New Day” as part of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival. Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, the festival marks its 14th thrilling year with three evenings of star-studded performances featuring the world's top female jazz artists including: Esperanza Spalding, Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra, Janis Siegel, Carmen Lundy, and the Maria Schneider Orchestra. Mimi Jones, a.k.a. bassist and Kennedy Center favorite Miriam Sullivan, brings a top-drawer group with her as she returns to the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival following her star turn in the 2004 event. Her much anticipated CD sneak preview performance is slated for Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 PM on the Millennium Stage at 2700 F St., NW, Washington D.C., 20556. She is also the featured bassist in the band that will be accompanying the Fifth Annual Women in Jazz Competition the following day at the Terrace Theater. The event is free and for more information on Mimi Jones go to: http://www.MimiJonesMusic.com.
New York native Mimi Jones (aka Miriam Jones) is a multi talented bassist, vocalist and composer whose elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based on a strong jazz foundation. In September 2009 she will release her debut CD, “A New Day,” which is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of Mimi’s sultry voice. As a “side man” Miriam Sullivan has shared the stage with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rachel Z, Sean Jones, Kenny Barron, and Joshua Redman. A graduate from the Manhattan School of Music she has also studied and mentored with Lisle Atkinson, Ron Carter, and Milton Hinton. She has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States and participated in the Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center Rhythm Abroad Program. Although Mimi plays acoustic bass, baby bass, electric bass, and numerous styles of music (including jazz, funk, hip hop, Cuban, free, folk, and pop) she thrives on remaining open to learning unfamiliar sounds. "I hope that my music sends a message of unconditional love and encouragement in order to let people know that we all experience the same things but in different ways. If we find the joy within eventually it will be all around

(Mill Valley, CA, March 25 2009) Called “a rising star in World Music” by the San Francisco Examiner, vocalist Ramana Vieira will bring her unique style of Fado music to the 142 Throckmorton Theatre on Saturday, April 18th at 8:00 PM to celebrate the release of her new CD “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen)” on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. Ramana Vieira has solidified her place as one of the premier world music artists who understands the tradition of Portuguese Fado singing, a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues, yet continues to creatively construct a path into the future by combining new musical textures and original compositions. Ramana will be accompanied by her amazing ensemble of musicians that include: Marcie Brown (cello), Alberto Ramirez (bass guitar), Jeffrey Luiz (classical guitar), Stephen La Porta (drums/percussion), and special guest musicians Benito Cortez (violin) and Didier Bouvet (guitar). The 142 Throckmorton Theatre, located at 142 Throckmorton Ave. in Mill Valley, CA, is founded on the philosophy that theatre, music, dance, film, poetry, visual and related arts are essential components of a rich and rewarding life, and an indispensable part of human inspiration and education. Tickets are $25.00 general admission/$35.00 for reserved seating and can be purchased by calling (415) 383-9600 or online at http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/tickets.php. For more about Ramana Vieira visit: http://www.RamanaVieira.net or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

On the new CD, “Lágrimas De Rainha”, Ramana paints sonic pictures that support her desire to invent a fresh Fado sound blooming from the ground of her own Portuguese family roots. Many of the songs on the recording are inspired by Ramana’s main influence, Amália Rodrigues, known as the "Rainha do Fado" ("Queen of Fado") and who is attributed to popularizing the Fado worldwide. According to Ramana, “nobody else is doing what we are doing with Fado. Take the feel and groove of Shakira and the melodic textures of Dulce Pontes and that is how I would describe our music.”

WASHINGTON DC JAZZ QUINTET, SALTMAN KNOWLES,
CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF “RETURN OF THE COMPOSER” CD
A Musical Voyage with a Unique Approach

(Washington, DC – February 24, 2009) Called “a brilliant example of all that is good in contemporary jazz” the Saltman Knowles Quintet, a Washington DC based band on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, will celebrate the release of their fifth CD, “Return Of The Composer” on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th from 9 PM to 1 AM ($12 cover) at the venue HR57 located at 1610 14th St. NW, Washington, DC. The Saltman Knowles Quintet, known for their long-term artist collaborations that serve up melodically alluring and rhythmically infectious music, will feature Mark Saltman (bass), William Knowles (piano), Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (drums), Antonio Parker (saxophone) and the soulful and unique instrumental sounds of vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm.

According to Saltman Knowles: "What makes this record different from other jazz recordings is the use of “vocalese” (using the voice as another instrument) and our color sensory system of composition. We're lucky that we can have both an instrumental sound, like a straight swinging quintet, as well as a vocal sound. The music we write is melodic, harmonically dense, and swinging. Often our music is a sketch of personal situations in our lives or of those friends who are close to us. Music is our way of commenting about life." On “Return Of The Composer” Mark Saltman and William Knowles uniquely use the voice of Lori Williams-Chisholm as an instrumental texture. Her voice executes complex melodies while avoiding the cliché of standard vocal presentations to create the icing on the cake of this delicious voyage of musical expression.

For more information about the CD release event go to http://www.HR57.org or call 202-667-3700. For information on purchasing the CD or more about Saltman Knowles go to http://www.SaltmanKnowles.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

“THE NEW YOUNG LION OF JAZZ,”
PIANIST DANNY GREEN CD RELEASE PARTY AT ANTHOLOGY
“With You In Mind” Considered A Brilliant Musical Statement

San Diego, CA February 19, 2009: Called “a brilliant musical statement” by jazz critics nationally, pianist Danny Green celebrates his debut release, “With You In Mind,” and brings his unique blend of jazz and world music rhythms music to Anthology on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM. The band features Justin Grinnell (bass), Dylan Savage (drums), Tripp Sprague (sax) and special guest guitarist, Peter Sprague. Tickets start at $11 and can be purchased online at http://www.Anthologysd.com or through the box office at 619-595-0300. Anthology is located at 1337 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

A native of Southern California, Danny Green launched his debut CD “With You In Mind” on the Pacific Coast Jazz (PCJ) label on January 20, 2009 and since that time the CD has debuted at #18 the first week on Jazz Week Radio charts and #1 most added. The critics are applauding his work calling him “the new young lion of jazz” and comparing him to other jazz icons with comments like, ‘the album shows that he will no doubt become one of the more important musicians and names in jazz, perhaps becoming this generation's equivalent of Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Dave Brubeck..." At twenty-seven years old Danny Green has managed to carve out a place for himself in the lineup of young jazz artists who seem to have a pulse on keeping the tradition of jazz piano alive while stepping boldly into the future through the use of cultural sounds and rhythms. For more information on Danny Green or Pacific Coast Jazz, please visit: http://www.DannyGreen.net or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

(Ojai, Calif. – February 23, 2009) “Strung out by high gas prices? Melting ice caps give you the sweats? Coming Clean is a roadmap to recovery, a smart, heartfelt guide to building a better world.” That’s from Rolling Stone writer Jeff Goodell, praising Rainforest Action Network executive director Michael Brune’s new book called Coming Clean: Breaking America’s Addiction to Oil and Coal. On March 25, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., the Ojai Valley Green Coalition’s “Ecology and Community Series” will feature Michael Brune, who will read from his book and start a conversation about the tangible and innovative actions we can take for a clean energy future. The event will be held at Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue, with a $5.00 suggested donation. This gathering is part of Brune’s nationwide organizing tour to bring together diverse people and organizations to promote solutions to the energy crisis.

Michael’s book, Coming Clean: Breaking America’s Addiction to Oil and Coal, doesn’t just talk about climate change and our addiction to fossil fuels, and certainly doesn’t just say we need only to change light bulbs and vote every now and then to solve these problems. This is a book about systemic solutions, and more importantly, exactly how we can get those solutions implemented. Pulitzer Prize winner Ross Gelbspan calls it “a thoroughly engaging, reader-friendly analysis of our energy dilemma,” adding, “Brune’s empowering book tells us how to take back our future from the energy bullies leading us down a path to climate chaos.”

Michael Brune is the executive director of Rainforest Action Network (RAN) and a founding board member of Oil Change International, an organization dedicated to dissolving the political barriers to a clean energy transition. At age 26, Brune joined RAN to direct its campaign to convince Home Depot to stop selling wood from endangered forests. After a year of creative protests, celebrity activism, and shareholder advocacy, Home Depot agreed. Time magazine called it the top environmental story of 1999, and the announcement led to the protection of 5 million acres in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Under Brune’s leadership, RAN has successfully campaigned to change the environmental policies and practices of some of America’s largest corporations, including Citi, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Kinko’s, Boise, and Lowe’s. RAN has been referred to as “some of the savviest environmental agitators in the business” by the Wall St. Journal. For further information on the Ojai Valley Green Coalition, visit www.ojaivalleygreencoalition.org.

“THE NEW VOICE OF PORTUGUESE WORLD MUSIC,”
RAMANA VIEIRA, AT THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS In An Evening Of Portuguese World Music

Modesto, CA, January 22, 2009: Called “a rising star in World Music” by the San Francisco Examiner, vocalist Ramana Vieira will bring her powerful and unique blend of Fado music to the Gallo Center for the Arts on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM with tickets ranging from $25 to $45. Ramana Vieira has solidified her place as one of the premier world music artists who understands the tradition of Portuguese Fado singing and continues to creatively construct a path into the future by combining new musical textures and original compositions along with her amazing ensemble of musicians that include: Marcie Brown (cello), Alberto Ramirez (bass guitar), Jeffrey Luiz (classical guitar), Steve La Porta (drums/percussion), Benito Cortez (violin) and other special guests.

This performance premieres the excitement for the soon to be released CD, “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen)” on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. The emotional concept of “Lágrimas De Rainha” paints sonic pictures that support Ramana’s desire to invent a fresh Fado sound blooming from the ground of her own family roots. Ms. Vieira will give a sneak preview of these songs in the outstanding community venue, The Gallo Center for the Arts, known for setting a new standard for all the arts, education, and entertainment for the entire Central California region by producing shows of the highest quality and diversity.

The Gallo Center for the Arts is located at 1000 I Street in Modesto, CA or go to their website at:
http://www.galloarts.org/Events or call: 1-877-488-3380 to reserve tickets. For more about Ramana Vieira visit: http://www.RamanaVieira.net or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.