Music Scene

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!

Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist Chris Bergson hits it out of the ball park with his latest release, Chris Bergson Band Live at Jazz Standard. The 15-track album is Chris Bergson at his best and includes new music as well as a few choice cuts off of old favorites from previous releases, Imitate the Sun, Fall Changes, and Another Day. The great vibe of being recorded live over 2-nights at the intimate Jazz Standard club in New York, along with the …

Neal Richardson – Better Than The Blues, the debut release by British singer, composer, musician, producer on the Splash Point Records label delivers the long awaited goods. Taking time from producing to lay down the 13-tracks, the album is brilliant and shows Neal Richardson’s prowess as an exceptional pianist and musician, singer, composer, as well as producer.

Jeff Richman Big Wheel instrumental Jazz album features an impressive line-up with Steve Gadd on drums, Jimmy Haslip on bass, Jeff Lorber on keyboards, Jeff Richman on guitar, George Whitty on keyboards and programming, Alan Pasqua on acoustic piano, and Dean Taba on acoustic bass. With Jeff Richman’s prowess as a composer and guitarist, and an incredible musician pedigree expect to be impressed by Jeff Richman Big Wheel released by Nefer Records.