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.
John Fedchock’s album “Justifiably J.J.” celebrates J.J. Johnson’s centennial with masterful trombone performances and original Johnson arrangements. Fedchock’s quartet delivers energetic, live renditions of Johnson’s compositions, spotlighting each musician’s talent. This eleventh album by Fedchock showcases his phenomenal technique and warm tone, paying tribute to Johnson’s legacy in jazz.
Bryn Roberts’ debut album “Aloft” showcases the pianist’s evolution from jazz sideman to bandleader and composer. The album features Roberts on piano, Matt Penman on bass, and Quincy Davis on drums. Each track highlights the trio’s dynamic interplay, Roberts’ creative compositions, and their collective improvisational skills, establishing Roberts as a thoughtful and engaging musician.
As Trevor B. Power works on his third album, produced by NY Blues Hall of Famer Dave Fields, they aim for a live feel while recording at Farm189 Studios. Featuring drummer Steve Holley, the album blends heartfelt lyrics with powerful music. Trevor also hosts a weekly radio show and actively performs, maintaining his undying passion for music.
Anders Malta, a Danish trumpeter and composer, leads the Anders Malta Almost Big Band, performing monthly at Christiania Jazz Club in Copenhagen. Their debut album features nine tracks, blending various jazz styles and showcasing Malta’s compositions and arrangements. Highlights include the “Hardbop Conversations” series and “Pelle’s Little Tune.”
Tom Johnson’s album “Time Takes Odd Turns” showcases his compositions reflecting different stages of his life. It features a jazz orchestra including guitars, piano, reeds, trumpets, and guest musicians. This project, inspired by Johnson’s lifelong dream, was recorded with IU students and Indianapolis jazz musicians and is now available to the public.
“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.”
The Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra’s latest project, “Innuendo,” showcases Hoffmann’s compositions performed by diverse musical talents. The album, inspired by Queen, includes award-winning tracks like “Summer Solstice” and “No Way Back.” Hoffmann’s unique approach to mixed meter and arrangements highlight his musical creativity, leading to a highly anticipated release on September 20, 2024.
Mauricio Morales’ album “Seven Days” captures a week of his life through seven original tracks, each named after a day. Composed during a visa issue in Mexico, it highlights his bass skills, jazz fusion influences, and melodic roots. The album features impressive solos, diverse compositions, and Morales’ continual artistic growth.
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s album, “Live at the Village Vanguard – Centennial: The Music of Thad Jones,” celebrates the 100th birthday of Thad Jones. This double CD features modernized big band sounds influenced by jazz legends such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Each disc showcases exceptional musicianship with unique arrangements, honoring Jones’s legacy.
Jimbo Ross’s album “Jazz Passion & Satin Latin” showcases his prowess on the 5-string viola, traditionally a background instrument in jazz. Leading a talented quintet, Ross brings distinctive improvisation to classics like “Delilah” and “Polka Dots & Moonbeams.” His “Bodacious Band” further explores diverse genres, emphasizing his musical virtuosity.
Michele Malone, a stalwart of American roots music for over 30 years, integrates roadhouse rock, blues, folk, and country-soul. “Southern Comfort” reflects her southern Georgia roots, featuring collaborations with notable musicians. The album’s tracks span sentiments of longing, resilience, and familial ties, embodying Malone’s influence in both southern rock and folk genres.
“Making a Scene Presents the Podcast of Live from the Midnight Circus features artists like Doug Duffey and the Badd. It spotlights Indie Blues artists who honor their roots while innovating new music, reflecting their reality with integrity. The Indie Blues Movement celebrated diversity and emotional depth in music.”
“Patricia Brennan’s album ‘Breaking Stretch’ blends contemporary classical with funk, salsa, and experimental jazz, reflecting her push to musical boundaries. Utilizing electronics, Brennan crafts compositions that challenge rhythmic structures. The ensemble includes notable jazz musicians, with Brennan’s vibraphone and marimba driving the experimental essence, delivering an avant-garde experience.”
Amanda Ann Platt & The Honeycutters, an Asheville-based band, blend nuanced, lyrically driven country roots music. Platt’s empathetic and witty songwriting delves into life’s emotions, from heartache to hope, drawing from her experiences and others’. The Honeycutters include Matt Smith, Rick Cooper, Evan Martin, and Kevin Williams.
Anthony Geraci, born in 1954 in New Haven, CT, is a renowned pianist and composer who began playing piano at age four. Influenced by blues legends and a close friend, he rose to fame, recording with numerous artists. His celebrated albums include “Fifty Shades of Blue” and “Daydreams in Blue.” He has garnered multiple Blues Music Award nominations and wins, with his latest album “Tears in My Eyes” set for release in spring 2024.
Colin Fisher’s “Suns of the Heart” is an experimental jazz album where he plays all instruments, composed in collaboration with producer David Psutka. Celebrated as a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, Fisher weaves a meditative, boundary-less soundscape, blending percussion, synthesizers, and guitars to create a dynamic, ethereal musical experience.
Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni’s album “Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies” features a blend of Jackson’s tenor saxophone with Giovanni’s poetry. The album showcases the talents of Jackson’s band on tracks like “When the Time is Right” and “Speak Low.” Giovanni’s poetry and Jackson’s compositions create a rich, artistic synergy.
