Satoko Fujii’s avant jazz-rock quartet releases “Dog Days of Summer,” their first album in 18 years. Featuring bassist Takeharu Hayakawa, drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, the album blends free jazz and jazz-rock with unpredictable, volcanic energy. Each track offers dynamic, adventurous explorations of rhythm and melody.
Peter Bernstein’s new album “Better Angels,” released under Smoke Sessions Records, features a talented lineup including drummer Al Foster, pianist Brad Mehldau, and bassist Vicente Archer. The album mixes Bernstein’s original compositions with classic standards, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and the improvisational genius of the quartet. This collaborative project highlights Bernstein’s intent to capture fresh interpretations and dynamic musical interplay.
Acclaimed pianist and composer George Burton’s album “White Noise” addresses the struggles of Black people today, calling for resistance against colonialism, caste systems, and slavery. Inspired by artists like Max Roach and Kendrick Lamar, Burton combines spoken word, jazz, and electronic music. The album features various renowned musicians and aims to raise awareness and inspire reflection.
“Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Featuring Rev Freakchild, celebrating Indie Blues artists who honor the genre’s roots while driving its evolution. Tune in for innovative, emotional, and original music from current touring musicians deeply influenced by blues tradition.”
Randall Bramblett, a seasoned musician revered for his contributions to American roots music, showcases a blend of past experiences and present reflections in his thirteenth album, Paradise Breakdown. Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, Bramblett collaborates with renowned artists, offering a mix of soulful tracks and a testament to his enduring creative spirit.
Gerry Casey’s Show #265 features guest OTIS and highlights a variety of rock and blues artists, including The Cold Stares, Myles Kennedy, Samantha Fish, and Motorhead. The playlist includes tracks like “Last Fool In The Line” by OTIS and “You Really Got Me” by Ray Davies/Metallica.
Gerry Casey interviews Boone Froggett of OTIS, a blues-based rock band from Kentucky, known for their deep musical roots in country-rock, bluegrass, gospel, and folk. Influenced by legends like Muddy Waters, they gained fame after meeting ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons, leading to wider recognition and inclusion in a 2020 film soundtrack.
Gino Amato’s debut album “Latin Crossroads” showcases his talent as a bandleader and arranger, featuring Latin orchestrated versions of familiar songs. Collaborating with Oscar Hernandez, Amato integrates vocals, strings, and horns to deliver vibrant and emotional interpretations. The album displays a wide repertoire reflecting Amato’s diverse musical background and expertise.
The previously unreleased album “Grande-Terre” by Roy Hargrove’s band Crisol will be released on October 18, 2024, commemorating Hargrove’s 55th birthday. This Grammy-winning ensemble’s energetic studio session from 1998 captures their unique blend of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and funk. The first single, “Priorities,” showcases their dynamic sound.
“Live from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot Show celebrates the evolution of blues through innovative and diverse indie artists. Featuring numerous musicians, the show honors past influences while spotlighting new original music. It emphasizes the blues as a living, emotional art form crafted with integrity. Tune into the Indie Blues Movement.”
Michael Reynolds, former lead vocalist/songwriter for Pinmonkey, stepped away from music a decade ago but continued to write songs. His surprise return with the album “Tarnished Nickel Sky” under Blue Élan Records showcases a poetic and evocative style. This album features 11 self-penned tracks, reflecting his journey, emotions, and growth.
Ronnie Baker Brooks’ album “Blues In My DNA,” produced by Jim Gaines, marks his debut with Alligator Records. The album, featuring songs mostly written by Ronnie, showcases his dynamic guitar and vocal prowess. The tracks range from hard-rocking blues to soulful ballads, illustrating Ronnie’s deep blues roots and broad musical talent, ensuring wider recognition.
Rebecca Kilgore’s album “A Little Taste” features her seasoned vocals, paired with lush arrangements and the music of Dave Frishberg. The recording is highlighted by a talented ensemble. Kilgore’s storytelling through song, accentuated by sweeping strings and excellent musicianship, offers a swinging, easy-listening experience. The album releases October 28, 2024.
Dawn Clement, Steve Kovalcheck, and Jon Hamar form a drum-less jazz trio, presenting a nuanced blend of contemporary jazz through intricate interplay between piano, guitar, and bass. Their compositions range from soothing, moderate tempos to rhythmic Latin influences, culminating in a unique, easy-listening jazz style appreciated for its peacefulness and musical depth.
Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood’s “Blues Experience” album showcases their collaboration, interpreting classic blues songs with an innovative touch. The album features notable tracks and contributions from renowned musicians, highlighting Shimabukuro’s ukulele prowess. Recognized globally, Jake has played with top artists and received prestigious accolades, making this album a notable release.
Stephane Wrembel’s “Triptych Phase 1” is part of a trilogy album showcasing three life stages. Wrembel, a master guitarist influenced by classical, rock, gypsy Romani music, and jazz, collaborates with prominent musicians like Jean-Michel Pilc. The album features original compositions and classics, highlighting Wrembel’s exceptional musical versatility and artistry.
Interview with Reverend Freakchild highlights his solo acoustic performances, collaborations with top musicians, albums “The Bodhisattva Blues” and “Supramundane Blues,” and past band involvement. He’s performed at iconic venues, his music featured in media, and he currently studies divinity in Colorado, proclaiming music as his path to transcendence.
Michael Dease’s album, “Found in Space – The Music of Gregg Hill,” showcases Hill’s compositions with a blend of genres from classical to avant-garde, featuring a talented ensemble. The work, co-produced by Hill and Dease, is highlighted by intricate arrangements, unpredictable shifts, and dynamic solos, evoking comparisons to Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus.
T.K. Blue’s latest album, “Planet Bluu” on Jaja Records, features compositions reflecting diverse Afro-diasporic influences. Comprising nine original tracks, it showcases his proficiency on multiple instruments. Highlights include “The Hue of Bluu,” “Valley of the Bluu Rose,” and “Turquoise Bluu.” Blue aims to envision a harmonious, ideal world through his music.
Caroline Davis’ “Portals, Volume 2: Returning” is a jazz album inspired by her late grandmother, poet Joan “Lady” Anson-Weber. The album features a quintet and vocalists interpreting Lady’s poetry, blending spiritual and contemporary jazz. Highlights include archival voice recordings and improvisations, offering a deeply emotional, reflective journey.
Making a Scene Presents “Turn it up with Gerry Casey Show #264” featuring Sons of Anarchy, Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado, Tommy Castro, Johnny Winter, Megadeth, AC/DC, The Black Keys, and more artists. The show includes tracks like “Already Gone,” “War Machine,” “Dragula,” and “Heavy Soul.”
Carolyn Shulman, a Denver-based folk singer-songwriter, started her musical journey in childhood and performed extensively throughout her education and adulthood. Balancing music with a legal career and parenthood, she returned to music full-time in 2014. Her acclaimed debut album “Grenadine & Kerosene” led to significant recognition. Carolyn is set to release her new album, “Heart on a Wire,” in September 2024, exploring deeper themes with rich production.
Randy Lee Riviere’s “Concrete Blues,” produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, features all songs written by Riviere, except the title track co-written with Hambridge. Recorded at Nashville’s Soundstage Studios, the album includes notable musicians. Riviere, a wildlife biologist, intertwines his diverse songwriting with themes of the human condition and the natural landscape.
The “Run the Gauntlet” album by Kris Davis, featuring Robert Hurst and Jonathan Blake, is a tribute to six influential female pianists. Davis composed all the music, reflecting her mentors and her son’s growth. Praised for her unique style and creativity, Davis has received numerous awards and continues to innovate in jazz.
The Sons Of Liberty, a prominent Bristol-based hard rock band, have solidified their reputation through extensive touring and electrifying live performances. Their highly praised third album, “The Detail Is In The Devil,” includes hit singles like ‘Time To Fly’ and ‘Turn This Tide.’ They have also garnered accolades, including being voted 2020’s #4 band by the New Wave Of Classic Rock fan group.
Lurrie Bell and Frank Catalano’s album “Set Me Free” showcases an exceptional collaboration, blending blues and jazz seamlessly. Bell’s deep roots in blues and Catalano’s saxophone mastery create memorable renditions of classics like “The Sky is Crying” and “At Last”. This album stands out as one of the year’s finest, featuring exceptional musicianship and emotional depth.
David Weiss’ album “Auteur” showcases his talents as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Featuring his compositions and a spirited ensemble, the album highlights Weiss’ mastery and influences from bebop and post-bop eras. Through complex harmonies and dynamic arrangements, Weiss demonstrates his artistic vision and commitment to innovative jazz storytelling.
Sol Jang celebrates a decade of musical growth with her album “19 – 29,” blending classical training with jazz influences from her experiences in South Korea, the U.S., and the Netherlands. The album features Jang on piano, Jort Terwijl on bass, and Max Hering on drums, with notable tracks like “Subway In Seoul” and “Philadelphia.”
Micah Thomas’s album “MOUNTAINS” showcases his compositions from a 2022 residency at The Jazz Gallery, recorded over four live sets. Featuring notable jazz musicians, it aims to create a cathartic experience. Highlights include the dynamic fourteen-minute track “Life,” and pieces like “Processing,” “Libre,” and “No Answer,” which display Thomas’s innovative and boundary-pushing style.
HOME PAGE Making a Scene Presents an Interview with March to August! March to August (M2A) is a Folk-Americana, original music duo whose songs offer audiences snapshots into the human condition, while encompassing the myriad of emotions that coincide with it. Hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, Derrick and Jodi Mears bring a unique blend of […]
Leslie Pintchik’s album “Prayer For What Remains” features eight original compositions and covers of Joni Mitchell’s “Banquet” and Lennon/McCartney’s “I Will.” Inspired by a poignant war photo, the music is a blend of pensive, blues-infused, and energetic tunes showcasing the talents of her quintet. The album’s vibrant cover depicts their camaraderie.
Jeff Rupert’s “It Gets Better” album showcases his warm tenor saxophone tone and features compositions blending with covers, played by an all-star band. Highlights include “Pharoah’s Daughter,” “Like Someone in Love,” and “Nowhere to Go But Up,” demonstrating skill and creative freedom, resulting in a joyful listening experience.
Anne Sajdera’s album “It’s Here” features her compositions and piano performances with a talented ensemble. Highlights include tracks like “Stella By Starlight,” “Three Color Study,” and “Bounce.” Sajdera’s compositions are well-crafted, blending various musical genres. Reviewer Dee Dee McNeil praises her exceptional piano technique and lyrical sensitivity.
Michael McDermott, an underrated yet brilliant singer-songwriter, releases two albums, “Lighthouse on the Shore” (acoustic) and “East Jesus” (electric), reflecting his dual personalities. His work is highly personal, addressing themes like addiction and perseverance. McDermott’s masterful lyrics and varied music make these albums rich and thought-provoking.
Piper & the Hard Times, a dynamic blues and roots music group from Nashville, won first place at the 2024 International Blues Challenge. Led by Al “Piper” Green, their debut album “Revelation” was released in August 2024, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Known for their intense live performances and musical versatility, the band members bring significant experience and diverse influences, creating a captivating and lively experience for audiences.
“Live from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot Show celebrates the evolution of blues through innovative and diverse indie artists. Featuring numerous musicians, the show honors past influences while spotlighting new original music. It emphasizes the blues as a living, emotional art form crafted with integrity. Tune into the Indie Blues Movement.”
Grover Washington Jr.’s new album, “Grover Live – Vol. 2,” showcases his pioneering fusion of funk and jazz. Featuring timeless tracks like “Nature Boy” and “Mister Magic,” it mirrors the essence of his earlier works. This release offers fans a nostalgic experience while celebrating Washington’s enduring influence on smooth jazz. Available September 13, 2024.
A live set from the Gregg Allman Band at Uncle Sam’s in Boston, recorded on July 1st, 1983, has been released seven years after Gregg Allman’s passing. This inaugural release includes nine tracks, featuring Allman Brothers Band classics and solo pieces. Key contributors include former Allman Brothers members Dan and David Toler.
Yosef Gutman Levitt, a South African-born, Jerusalem-based bassist and composer, creates spiritually rich and soothing music. His recent albums “Why Ten?” and “Unity” showcase collaborations with artists like Gilad Hekselman and Itay Sher. These works combine jazz, Jewish liturgical melodies, and modern influences, offering a peaceful, introspective listening experience.
Danny Jonokuchi’s “A Decade” showcases his prowess as a bandleader, arranger, vocalist, and trumpeter. Featuring a stellar big band, the album includes dynamic arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions. Highlights include Jonokuchi’s smooth vocals on “This Can’t Be Love” and innovative takes on classics like “Voyage” and “On Green Dolphin Street.”
Vanessa Collier’s new album “Do It My Own Way” reflects her defiance of industry sexism, recorded independently to stay true to her vision. This eight-track album captures a retro feel with influences from Memphis’ Stax and Hi Records. With notable collaborations, Collier showcases her musical versatility in blending soul, vintage R&B, and early rock.
“Paradise Breakdown” by Randall Bramblett showcases his unique blend of blues, folk, gospel, rock, and soul through deeply drawn characters and abstract situations. Accompanied by longtime collaborators, Bramblett continues his 50-year musical journey, offering soulful, robust vocals, and poignant songwriting. The album features standout tracks with themes of love, recovery, and life’s unpredictabilities.
Brad Vickers, previously a bassist for notable artists, transitioned to guitar and formed The Vestapolitans with Margery Peters. Their music preserves blues and roots traditions. Their latest release, “Peace in My Time,” is a re-issue of 2010 songs, featuring new guitar solos by the late Jim Davis. The record is a tribute to Davis.
“Making a Scene’s podcast ‘LIVE from the Midnight Circus’ showcases the Trevor B. Power Band and other Indie Blues artists. Celebrating Blues’ diversity and innovation, the show honors past influences while empowering the future. Featuring a variety of musicians, it emphasizes truth and emotional connection in original music creations. Tune in for the Indie Blues Movement.”
“Making a Scene Presents Turn it up with Gerry Casey Show #263 features the Chase Walker Band with tracks like ‘Don’t Cry,’ ‘No Good,’ and ‘Move Ya.’ The show also includes songs by artists such as Oasis, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Bob Seger, and many more rock and roll favorites.”
Veteran LA violinist and songwriter Chris Murphy’s diverse musical journey blends genres and centuries, inspired by his Irish-Italian heritage and iconic musicians. Educated in Turkish and Indian music, he’s performed across the US and Europe, releasing over 15 albums and 500 works. Murphy views music as a fluid, transformative art form.
The Joel Frahm Trio’s album “Lumination,” released by Anzic Records, features Frahm on tenor saxophone, Dan Loomis on bass, and Ernesto Cervini on drums. Highlight tracks include “The Nurse is in,” “Loomie Nation,” and “Moonface Lament.” The trio showcases impressive jazz musicianship, blending melodies, rhythms, and improvisations seamlessly.
Gunhild Carling, known as the Swedish Queen of Jazz, leads a 13-piece big band featuring the Prague Strings Chamber Orchestra. Renowned for her multi-instrumental talents and engaging stage presence, Carling’s album “Jazz is My Lifestyle” showcases eleven of her original compositions. The project includes contributions from her family and special guest musicians.
Gerry Casey interviews Chase Walker, a highly acclaimed modern blues roots rock and soul musician from Southern California. An accomplished songwriter and guitarist, Walker has earned recognition in prestigious competitions and publications. His second album, recorded at 16, received multiple award nominations. He continues to write and produce music, gaining industry praise.
J.P. Reali, a veteran blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, has a rich musical history spanning from New York to Washington, D.C., and now Newark, Delaware. His latest album, “Blues Since Birth,” co-produced with Jim Larson, reflects diverse influences and showcases his growth and dedication to blues traditions. He has four solo releases and accolades including victories at the D.C. Blues Society’s Battle of the Bands.
