Music Scene

Get in the mood for the holidays with the new Jazz release Dave Koz and Friends – The 25th of December featuring an all-star line-up of Dave Koz, India Arie, Eric Benét, Jonathan Butler, Gloria Estefan, Fantasia, Kenny G, Heather Headley, Richard Marx, Johnny Mathis, Trombone Shorty, Bebe Winans, Stevie Wonder, and many more, released on the Concord Records label, that is a blend of traditional holiday favorites and some new music created especially for the release.

Get ready for the holidays New Orleans Jazz style with Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse – A New Orleans Creole Christmas, released on the Basin Street Records label, comprised of holiday favorites: O Tannenbaum – O Christmas Tree, Silent Night, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, Christmas Time Is Here, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.

Devon Allman – Ragged & Dirty, the latest release by Devon Allman, blues singer, songwriter, guitarist on the Ruf Records label, features him front and center on guitar joined by a host of talented Chicago studio musicians Felton Crews, Tom Hambridge, Marty Sammon, Bobby Schneck, Jr., and Wendy Moten, and is definitely worth a listen!

Craig Martin founder of Classic Albums Live took time from his busy schedule for an interview with Luxury Experience. Founded in 2003, his vision for Classic Albums Live was to "take classic albums and recreate them live, on stage – note for note, cut for cut." Deeply passionate about the music that he grew up, he works with a core of about 35 – 60 of the best musicians to capture the nuances of some of the best classic albums …

The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold by Blues singer, songwriter, harp master, Billy Boy Arnold is a 14-track release on the Stony Plains Records label that delivers pure Blues satisfaction from start to finish. Joining Billy Boy Arnold on the release is Duke Robillard, Bruce Bears, Brad Hallen, Mark Teixeira, Rich Lataille, Mark Earley, Doug Woolverton, Anita Suhanin, and Jack Gauthier.

The 11-track Mindi Abair – Wild Heart release on the Heads Up, a division of Concord Music Group label is the perfect blend of Jazz, Pop, and Funk and features an all-star guest list with contributions from friends, Trombone Shorty, Keb’ Mo’, Max Weinberg, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Perry, Booker T. Jones, and Gregg Allman. Definitely worth a listen, or two, or three …

British Bluesman John Mayall’s latest release, A Special Life on the Forty Below Records label features band members guitarist Rocky Athas, bass guitarist Greg Rzab, and drummer Jay Davenport, with a guest appearance by C.J. Chenier who adds his impact on this memorable release. Blues lovers are in for a treat with John Mayall – A Special Life from the legendary John “The Godfather of British Blues” Mayall.

Legendary Rocker Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull fame has announced the release of the concept album Homo Erraticus. The release contains the elements that have become the signature of Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull with lyrics that wind their way through the release, exceptional musicianship from the Thick As A Brick 2 band, and the amazing flute solos and melodies from Ian Anderson.  

Multi-Grammy Winner Al Jarreau has a fantastic new release out, My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke, featuring guests Gerald Albright, Stanley Clarke, Dr. John, Lalah Hathaway, Boney James, Marcus Miller, Jeffrey Osborne, Kelly Price, and Dianne Reeves, honoring the life and music of his good friend, the celebrated keyboardist, composer, and producer George Duke, on the Concord Music Group label.

The Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans, Louisiana  kicks off the 2014 summer season with their latest 11-track album, Rebirth Brass Band – Move Your Body, released on the Basin Street Records label, featuring the band: Phillip Frasier, Keith Frasier, Derrick Tabb, Stafford Agee, Gregory Veals, Derrick Shezbie, Chadrick Honore, and Vincent Broussard, along with special guests to bring the New Orleans brass band sound directly to you. Get ready to start moving your body!