Critically-acclaimed Italian vocalist Irene Serra (Wynton Marsalis, Norma Winstone, US3) and guitarist LucaBoscagin (Jason Rebello, Cinematic Orchestra, Jim Mullen) announce the upcoming release of their new album “The Great British Songbook” preceded by four singles.

Album release date: Friday 29th November 2024. Pre order by clicking here

1st Single release date “Give Me The Night” : Friday 6th September 2024

2nd Single release date “There Must Be an Angel : Friday 4th October 2024

3rd Single release date “Eleanor Rigby” : Friday 1st November 2024

4th single release date “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” : Friday 29th November 2024

Album preview launch will take place on Saturday 2nd November Cafe Posk, London.

Brought together by their passion for British pop music, Irene and Luca have handpicked some of the most loved songs by famous British singer and/or songwriters of the last 70 years and created fresh-sounding, unique arrangements.

From The Beatles to Sting, Massive Attack and Imogen Heap, this album is a celebration of the most defining songs of the British music scene reimagined through their signature soulful sound.

“The Great British Songbook” is their defiant and passionate love letter to the brilliance of British music (which was one of the main reasons they both moved to London from Italy) in the face of Brexit and its aftermath.

“…sublime vocals…” - JAZZ FM

"...Irene Serra has a strong stage presence and a compelling vocal tone, which she uses to great effect…."  - JAZZWISE

“…Serra’s voice is graceful and sensual…” - ALL ABOUT JAZZ

“...Serra’s singing is superb, perhaps at its most effective when she sounds bruised and vulnerable...” - Kind of Jazz

Irene Serra

Irene Serra is a critically-acclaimed Italian Jazz vocalist and composer based in London. She is known for her varied and eclectic repertoire, masterfully performing straight ahead jazz standards, blues, Brazilian music and her own original compositions.

Irene has performed in world-class venues in and around the UK, including at the premiere of the Abyssinian Mass at the Barbican (with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), Southbank Centre, Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Union Chapel and  King’s Place.

Her poised performances have already earned her much critical acclaim: her original project, ISQ, was a ‘Time Out Critics Choice’ in 2015 and she was longlisted for “Best Jazz Vocalist” at the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. She was also a finalist at the Shure Montreux Jazz Competition in 2009. Irene is currently working on her 5th album of original music with her project, ISQ and is also set to release her first album of Jazz standards in 2025.

Luca Boscagin

Guitarist Luca Boscagin grew up heavily influenced by Rock & Jazz, and as a musician has an equally wide range of guises to play with. He moved to London in 2009, driven by a passion for the British music scene where he recorded at major studios such as Abbey Road and Real World.

The Great British Songbook

 Line up

Irene Serra – vocals

Luca Boscagin – guitar

Tracklist

1. Give Me the Night (Rod Temperton) 

2. Jesus He Knows Me (Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford)

3. There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart) (Annie Lennox, David A. Stewart)

4. Eleanor Rigby (John Lennon, Paul McCartney)

5. Off the Wall (Rod Temperton)

6. Teardrop (Robert Del Naja, Elizabeth Fraser, Grantley Marshall, Andrew Vowles)

7.  Wonderwall (Noel Gallagher)

8.  Night Fever (Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb)

9.  Hide and Seek (Imogen Heap)

10. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (Sting)

Follow Irene Serra on:

www.ireneserra.com      

www.instagram.com/ireneserramusic   

www.youtube.com/ireneserramusic

www.facebook.com/ireneserramusic   

www.twitter.com/ireneserramusic

RESONANCE RECORDS PRESENTS PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD LIVE RECORDINGS BY UNSUNG GUITAR GREAT EMILY REMLER

Cookin’ at the Queens, documenting Las Vegas gigs in 1984 and 1988, to be released as 3-LP set on RSD Black Friday, November 29 and as 2-CD set on Friday, December 6

First Remler Release in 34 Years! Deluxe package includes liner notes by acclaimed author Bill Milkowski, plus recollections from esteemed guitarists Russell Malone, Mike Stern, Rodney Jones and Dave Stryker along with Remler advocates Mimi Fox, Jocelyn Gould, Amanda Monaco

Resonance Records proudly presents the first release in 34 years from the unsung jazz guitar great who tragically died on May 4, 1990 at the age of 32. Culled from a previously unreleased collection of performances that were broadcast on KNPR Las Vegas in 1984 and 1988 as part of Alan Grant’s weekly radio program, “4 Queens Jazz Night from Las Vegas,” Cookin’ at the Queens captures Remler in quartet performances with pianist Cocho Arbe, bassist Carson Smith and drummer Tom Montgomery (1984) and trio performances with bassist Carson Smith and drummer John Pisci (1988).

Taped live at the 4 Queens Hotel and Casino in the old part of the Vegas strip (where Resonance’s 2016 release, Live at the 4 Queens from Shirley Horn, was originally recorded), these stunning performances by Remler reveal her abiding love of her personal guitar hero Wes Montgomery and other influential players like Pat Martino and George Benson. Taken as a whole, they represent some of Emily’s most scintillating, swinging, exploratory, unrestrained and inspired playing ever.

Whether it’s burning on an uptempo bebop number like Tadd Dameron’s “Hot House” or tackling modal classics like Miles Davis’ “So What” and John Coltrane’s “Impressions,” delving into a deep blues feeling, as on Bobby Timmons’ “Moanin’” and Montgomery’s “D-Natural Blues,” settling into a sublime ballad like “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” or basking in a bossa nova like Jobim’s “How Insensitive,” Remler’s sheer mastery of her instrument is readily apparent on these superb live tracks, recorded during separate engagements in the French Quarter Room of the 4 Queens Hotel in Las Vegas. They capture Remler in the joyful act of swinging in unencumbered fashion and stand as a testament to her greatness as a jazz guitarist.

Order here

“Anyone who's ever heard Emily play can immediately tell how much Wes Montgomery was part of her life,” noted bassist Eddie Gomez, who appeared on Remler’s 1983 album Transitions and 1985’s Catwalk, both alongside drummer Bob Moses. “She really had that sound of Wes’s and that feel together. She really had a great feel for the music and for that sound and that style. Other guitarists might’ve tried to play more like different guitarists, but she really got ahold of Wes. She really had that feel and that way of spacing chords and playing octaves together. If you closed your eyes, you’d think you were listening to Wes Montgomery. It was really impressive.”

Added Moses, “She out-swung most guitar players. She definitely had the feel, the groove and the soulfulness. She could do the standards and Wes Montgomery-ish stuff, but she had her own thing. And above all, she had that swing.”

Dave Stryker, who had met Remler in the early ‘80s, noted the impact she had back then. “Emily was such a good player, I think she helped inspire other musicians who came along later who might think, ‘Oh, wait, here’s another female musician that is out there doing it and dealing with this music.’ She was just one of the cats and she just happened to be a woman who played her ass off.”

Disciple Sheryl Bailey was lucky enough to have taken a guitar lesson with Remler as a developing young player. “The lesson was unbelievable, one of the best lessons ever,” she recalled. “She was a great teacher. She knew exactly what I needed and was clear about communicating it. I use everything she taught me every day. I teach it to all my students. As a player, she’s swinging, soulful, all about the melody, gorgeous tone, incredible technique, incredible control over the mechanics of the instrument. And she was a great educator.”

Added renowned jazz detective Zev Feldman, who along with Bill Milkowski co-produced this Resonance Records release, “As time goes by, some artists’ legacies get even more interesting and become more important, and I think Emily Remler is such a significant artist. She needs to be talked about and discussed more. She was a trailblazer and I hope these recordings are going to contribute to and validate her story and her importance.”

Released in cooperation with the Emily Remler Estate, the limited-edition 180-gram 3-LP set, mastered for vinyl from the original tape reels in the UNLV archives by Bernie Grundman, will be released on RSD Black Friday, November 29. A deluxe 2-CD set and digital download edition will be made available the following Friday on December 6.

Resonance Records is a multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning label (most recently for John Coltrane’s Offering: Live at Temple University for "Best Album Notes") that prides itself in creating beautifully designed, informative packaging to accompany previously unreleased recordings by the jazz icons who grace Resonance's catalog. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Resonance Records is a division of Rising Jazz Stars, Inc. a California 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation created to discover the next jazz stars and advance the cause of jazz. Current Resonance Artists include Tawanda, Eddie Daniels, Tamir Hendelman, Christian Howes and Donald Vega. www.ResonanceRecords.org

KIM CYPHER TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM – ‘CATCHING MOMENTS’ NOVEMBER 22nd 2024

“One of the UK's most exciting saxophonists, vocalists, & composers” -All About Jazz

British jazz saxophonist, vocalist, composer and band leader Kim Cypher releases her third album Catching Moments on November 22nd 2024. The album is a continuation of Kim’s ‘Brighter Tomorrow’, a collaborative project started during COVID lockdowns to showcase all those who work in the arts, and demonstrate their unbending passion, drive, resilience and dedication to their craft.

Kim is one of the UK’s most beloved jazz musicians. As a figurehead of independent arts in Britain, her work extends to furthering the reach of grassroots musicians by means of collaboration and independent concert promotion, working with the Women In Jazz Media collective, and her weekly radio show ‘The Big Jazz Hullabaloo’ hosted by Kim and her husband Mike every week on Jazz Bites Radio. Her charity single releases have seen thousands of pounds raised across multiple campaigns, simultaneously drawing attention to some of the most talented players residing in the UK and abroad.

“Accessible and classy music with a very wide appeal” - London Jazz News

The rich tones of Kim’s signature tenor saxophone playing offers nods to both of her mentors; the legendary jazz saxophonists Andy Sheppard and Pee Wee Ellis. The album covers a lot of genre-ground, from bossa to swing, and is already receiving attention from Jazzwise, Jazz FM, and BBC Radio 3, and she recently sold out her second Ronnie Scott’s concert.

“A bright, passionate performing light on the UK Jazz scene” – Jazz In Europe

The album is a showcase for an all-star cast of global musicians including guitarist Antonio Forcione, double bass player Raph Mizraki, percussionist Karl Vanden Bossche, drummer Mike Cypher, and special guest performers including pianist and vocalist Liane Carroll, saxophonist and vocalist Ray Gelato, and trombone player Ashley Slater. With Kim’s sublime production and tasteful arrangement giving space to each instrument, the musicians playfully syncopate and solo through this offering diverse in genre and tempo.

The twelve tracks on the album, including ten originals, are inspired by world and personal events of the past few years and focuses around catching precious moments in life. Kim and her band showcased many of these songs and more at her recent Ronnie Scott’s date.

“Always innovative and surprising” – Jazz Views

Pre order here

 For Kim Cypher website click here

Emma Smith new album ‘Hat-trick!’ Out on Oct 25th (pre-ordered copies are sent out 3 weeks before official release!)

Emma Smith returns with 'Hat-trick!', her third studio album following the success of 2022’s ‘Meshuga Baby’, which received a plethora of praise from fans and critics alike.

Pre-order your signed copy of Emma's new album now and receive it before everyone else.

'Hat-trick!' will be introduced to the world by a triple show album launch by Emma and her swinging trio and is an amalgamation of music from three very diverse EP’s, but is much is much more than a celebration of all things thrice, as Emma explains: 

"Being an independent artist in this day and age is a roller coaster, to say the least. But whilst the music industry landscape remains totally unpredictable, there is one thing that can be relied upon; one must be capable of wearing an abundance of hats. We must be able to write the theme tune, sing the theme tune, design the front cover of the theme tune, register the theme tune for royalties collection services...etc. So this album is simultaneously a tip of the hat (whoops!) to all the incredible, brave and resilient independent artists out there following their dreams, and also to the supportive, loving and culture-curious music fans who buy the music, come to the shows, and roar with joy when we succeed. I see you, I respect you and I am you!"

 It is this outlook that has helped Emma Smith achieve a whole range of diverse and extensive experiences throughout her career to date, performing everywhere from the 02 Arena to the leading jazz clubs of New York City, collaborating and recording with the likes of Michael Buble, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum, Georgie Fame and Seal along the way. Emma Smith has created a formidable reputation as a powerful and expressive artist in UK jazz and will continue to augment this with Hat Trick, as its concept can extend beyond the music word.

Emma remarks that “As a society we so used to wearing so many hats; mother, daughter, sister, wife, employee, friend, career, student, boss, explorer, creator... it’s sometimes a challenge to get in touch with the truest, purest part of who we are. Music helps me to do that, the intangible, heartfelt, joyfulness of it. And so my wish is that this record allows you, even if for a few minutes. to get close to that pure, magical true, YOU.”

Some of the music on Hat-Trick will remain off streaming platforms for sometime to give exclusivity for those who purchase the album. To honour you, my loyal fans.

Beyond its many meanings, Hat-trick is quite simply a showcase of Emma Smith’s unique and uniquely exhilarating vocal ability – a slice of inspiration in musical form for the world to enjoy.

Pre Order here
For Emma Smith website click here

Elsden Music is proud to present Above The Clouds, the new album from The Ilario Ferrari Trio.

On the cusp of releasing his fourth studio album, pianist and singer Ilario Ferrari has developed a distinctive compositional style that blends contemporary instrumental jazz with vocal harmonies, incorporating classical nuances and influences from both Indian culture and his South Italian heritage. Ilario’s unique style is perfectly complemented by his two well-known collaborators and rising jazz stars: drummer Katie Patterson and bassist Charlie Pyne, who recently released her album "Nature Is A Mother," (featuring Patterson on drums), which has received high accolades from both the media and fans alike.

Formed in 2020 during the global lockdown, the trio found solace in their musical synergy, quickly developing their unique sound.Their debut performance in 2021 at Lauderdale House in London, live-streamed across Europe, served as a catalyst for their rise to public attention. The trio’s 2021 debut album, "Childhood Memories," was widely praised and received international radio support, helping them secure high-profile live shows.

These live performances include headlining the Watford Jazz Festival in 2022 and collaborating with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra on a world premiere composition by Ilario.They have also performed at the London Jazz Festival, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Ecosuoni Festival in Italy, and Jazzahead in Germany, among others. Additionally, Ilario’s duo with renowned Cuban violinist Omar Puente has garnered positive attention in a range of alternative circles.

Above The Clouds will be released via Elsden Music, a jazz label based in the heart of East London, run by recording and mixing engineer Greg Dowling. At the heart of this new record lies the theme of relationships: our connection to the planet andthe musical and personal bonds between Ilario, Charlie, Katie and their relationships with loved ones. It is also about elevation and observation, from ‘Above The Clouds’ and from the grounded embrace of Mother Earth, impressions of love, loss, and of home are expressed through a beguiling blend of vocal-led songs and instrumentals.

This recording is more than just a simple jazz trio album, with the trio expanding and contracting as each song requires.The Ilario Ferrari Trio’s innovative approach combined with their indisputable skill promises to be a breath of fresh air in the jazz world and beyond.

All music composed by Ilario Ferrari.

Lyrics by Ilario Ferrari except Summer Lullaby by Charlie Pyne Arrangements by Ilario Ferrari, Charlie Pyne & Katie Patterson

Drums and Vocals - Katie Patterson Double Bass and Vocals - Charlie Pyne Piano, Piano FX and Vocals - Ilario Ferrari

All sounds are produced by either acoustic piano, double bass, drums or human voices. Sound effects are generated using pedal effects on the instruments.

Recorded at Curtis Schwartz studio on November 21st and 22nd 2023 and on January the 11th 2024

Strings recorded by Michael John McGlone at Middlesex University Studio Children Choir recorded at St. Johns Church in Watford by Joe Jackson

Mixed by Joe Jackson

Mastered by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering in Bristol. Album cover picture by Ciprian Turutea

Trio Pictures by Robert Crowley

Strings on the track “Above The Clouds” recorded by Soli Strings Quartet Violin - Abbie Davis

Violin - Annalise Lam Viola - Jules Dos-Reis

Cello - Miranda Lewis-Brown Release date: 11th October 2024

Elsden Music website click here

Ilario Ferrai website click here

“Imagine if Sarah Vaughan played saxophone like Dexter Gordon. That’s approximately the effect when singer and tenor saxophonist Camille Thurman performs.” Downbeat Magazine

“You’re hard-pressed to find rising talents more exciting than Camille Thurman.” The New York Times 

The new album Confluence: Vol. 1 Alhambra, a thrilling collaboration featuring the incredible Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet, releases on October 4, 2024.
Pre Order Here

'Confluence is a collection of songs recorded during our Fall 2023 tour of Spain. Each city was special and unique in history, culture, and people. The acoustics in each concert hall we performed were simply breathtaking. We wanted to create an album that sonically captured the spirit of the audience and the live magic of the band made on stage. On this album, you will hear each band member shine brightly, purely in their element, unedited, displaying a dynamic sense of virtuosic and creative expression. We hope you enjoy this album!'

Remember the name Camille Thurman. As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, she is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form. Her distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire, which highlights her craft as a powerhouse singer and instrumentalist, is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation. She makes a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes through her music. 

​The New York City native has amassed several distinctive honors for her musicianship:  NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Jazz Album, recipient of the SOUTH Arts Creative Jazz Road Artistic Residency, Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll Nominee for Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist and Vocalist and Rising New Artist (2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020),  two-time winner of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award, a recipient of the Fulbright Scholars Cultural Ambassador Grant and Chamber Music of America Performance Plus Grant (Sponsored by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation) among others. Thurman also has five full-length recordings as a leader to her credit. Her most recent project, “Confluence: Vol 1,” is a collaboration with master drummer Darrell Green and his quartet. 

Thurman made history, becoming the first woman in 30 years to tour, record, and perform full-time internationally with the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as a saxophonist/woodwind doubler (2018-2020 season). A respected bandleader, she has headlined numerous notable concert venues and jazz festivals worldwide, including the Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress, and the Rose Theater. Her international recognition is a testament to the universal appeal of her music and the profound impact she has made on the global jazz community.

Thurman was chosen by the U.S. State Department under the Fulbright Scholarship grant to tour and perform in Paraguay and Nicaragua as a bandleader. She was recently selected by American Music Abroad and the U.S. State Department to tour and perform in Africa as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador in Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mauritania. In May 2020, Camille founded “The Haven Hang: Young Lioness Musician Q&A/ Virtual Mentorship Series.” The Haven Hang serves as a virtual and in-person mentorship series for young women musicians, with an initiative to mentor, aid, and support young women pursuing music careers in the performing arts. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Performance at McGill University. 

The dynamic musician is endorsed by D’Addario Woodwinds & Co. for reeds, Henri-Selmer Paris /Conn-Selmer Inc. for saxophones, and Key Leaves for saxophone products.  

Camille Thurman Website