Sons of Sound eNews 10.01.03

In This Issue…

1. On The Air: Radio loves Acoustic Romance
2. In Print: Reviewers dig Canyon
3. In Concert: Our Gig Calendar is now online!
4. In Schools: The Commission Project goes to college
5. In The Future : New Releases for 2004
6. In The Past: catch up on back issues of eNews

On The Air…

In only four weeks since its release on September 2nd, and in only its second week on the JazzWeek radio charts, Gene Bertoncini's Acoustic Romance enters the Top 20, advancing 17 spots from its debut at #37 just one week ago.

The disc enjoyed the highest debut of any new release when it broke the chart on September 19th, after gaining notice on September 5th as the #1 Most Added record and moving to #2 Chartbound by September 12th.

In his review of Acoustic Romance for jazzreview.com, Lee Prosser calls Gene Bertoncini "one of the finest guitarists to perform the American Songbook.… The performances are crisp, enjoyable, and entertaining. This is jazz acoustic guitar at its best. "Edelweiss" is an example of Bertoncini at his finest."

In Print…

Kenny Mathelson gives Mike Holober's Canyon a four star (4 headphones, actually) review in the October issue of the prestigious UK magazine Jazzwise:

"This disc is pianist Mike Holober's debut as a leader, but he is already a well-regarded figure on the New York scene, as the testimonials on the sleeve from Fred Hersch (who produced the sessions), Jim McNeely and John Patitucci attest. Their confidence in Holober's ability to deliver high quality jazz as both performer and composer is fully justified by the music. The players dig deep into his seven original compositions on the disc, which are mostly inspired by his outdoors activities as a hiker and climber, and have a clean, airy spaciousness even in their busiest sections. His intricate but attractive melody lines unfold over imaginative and carefully textured ensemble voicings and structures, with Muthspiel's guitar and Ries' horns skilfully deployed at both ensemble and solo level. Colley and Blade are a superb rhythm section, and their contributions both energise and enrich the music at any given tempo. The disc closes with his interpretations of two familiar standards, 'You and the Night and the Music' and 'Stardust', both given a fresh twist in arrangements. Worth checking out. "

Mr. Prosser of jazzreview.com also weighs in: "Canyon is incredibly good in its solo performances, and the sound is exceptional as this group performs together. A first rate group led by Mike Holober makes Canyon a memorable jazz listening entertainment. Excellent debut."

You will also see Canyon caught in the "Indie Spotlight" on the web at DownBeat.com.

In Concert…

Our artist performance calendar is now online! Please check here often for the latest in gig information.

The month of October features Mike Holober performing in support of Canyon with bassist John Patitucci at the famous Deer Head Inn near the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey, and at City College, NYC… Gene Bertoncini supporting Acoustic Romance in New Orleans, with shows at the Sand Bar at UNO and in the French Quarter at Snug Harbor; in Ohio at the Dennison University Guitar Festival, and at GuitarFest in New Jersey… Jay Leonhart swinging with Jon Gordon, Bill Charlap, and Taylor at Cris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia and on his own at Mile High Jazz in Denver… and guitarist Bob Sneider with pianist Paul Hofmann at The Little Theatre Café in Rochester, NY.

October is also highlighted with a special World Premiere Commission by Andy Parsons: a dance collaboration with the Spela Sterle Company featuring Andy's composition "Miss Conception" (which can also be heard on Flip!). Performances are on Friday through Sunday, October 9-12 at the Joyce Soho, NYC.

In Schools…

Nazareth College is offering "Jingle Writing and Production," a course taught by noted producer/songwriter Chuck Brucato that explores the entire process of writing jingles and theme music for radio and television.

The event's co-sponsor, The Commission Project (TCP), is underwriting full scholarships for two students (one high school, one college). For more information call the Nazareth College Music Department at (585) 389-2700. (Oct. 18-Nov. 15)

Sons of Sound and its artists support music education. We think The Commission Project is particularly hip. Please support them if you agree.

In The Future…

Sons of Sound is proud to announce the first new releases planned for 2004:

Stay tuned for release dates, radio promotion, gigs, and more information. Art for the eyes as well as the ears.

In The Past…

Read back issues of Sons of Sound eNews on our web site. If you are not a subscriber, please sign-up to ensure that you receive future issues.