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  • Leigh Jones Debut CD “Music In My Soul”

    Leigh Jones "Music in our Soul"
    Leigh Jones “Music in our Soul”

    We recommend you listen to this new album and go to Leigh Jones’ performance when she comes to town. She reminds us why the UC Jazz Ensembles must have vocals lessons again. The world needs female vocalists like Leigh Jones that have intelligence and poise. 

    “Music in my Soul” debuted with 13 tracks. What’s interesting about Jones is that she doesn’t seem to fall into the studio pre-fab, female pop singers, who sometimes don’t have the musical chops to back it up. Her CD is worth taking a listen to. If you give her a chance, you may be hooked in enough to listen to the entire CD, like I was. It definitely has a mellow, jazzy feel to it. Some standout tracks: “Music,” “Free Fall” “All This Love,” “Have it Your Way,” “Sick of Fools” and “I’m Leavin’ You.” Copy Editor Felicia, CNN.com 

    Only once in an era does a young performer come along who is so dazzling, so captivating and so undeniable in their talent that they gather the gale force of the most respected icons in the business beneath their wings. Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Leigh Jones is that amazing once in a lifetime artist. Jazz HQ 

    With wide ranging musical influences from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Marvin Gaye, to D’Angelo, Jill Scott and Joss Stone, Leigh Jones has managed to carve out a niche in the extremely competitive world of the music business.  Her debut album on Peak Records entitled “Music In My Soul” is a definitive statement from this dynamic, new artist. Very personal in nature, this album features the unique song styling that is sultry, sexy and insightful. Her rich, soulful style mixed with jazz and R & B influences create a distinct retro sound throughout the album. Kerry Gordy, KGE Entertainment, manages her career and produced her album with assistance of Lorenzo Pryor, Bruce Fisher, and input from his father Berry Gordy. 

    David Nathan of Soul Music asked Leigh Jones: “How did you originally meet Kerry Gordy?” Leigh Jones answered: When I was at a performing arts school in Los Angeles, I worked with a producer, Lorenzo Pryor. We recorded a few things as a way for me to get my foot in the door but I shook my head because the kind of things we were doing were a little ‘punk’-y and not really where my heart was musically. I worked with some other producers who were looking more for a Britney Spears/Christina Aguilera kind of singer and I was not going to be slithering around onstage! 

    Lorenzo told me he had a good friend, Kerry(Gordy), who was looking for a project and after we met, he told me, ‘100 girls came in before you.’ The next day, we were recording! “Sick Of Fools” was one of the first three songs we ever did together.

    Everything started from there. Since last September the CD shot up the charts to rave reviews, deservedly so. The CD features songs that are heartfelt, have intelligent and timely lyrics, with a sound that gives you the feeling instantly that you are listening to a classic hit album. Kerry Gordy and Leigh Jones successfully bring intelligence back into their new music while keeping this jazzy CD young and fresh. Watch her “Free Fall” video on U-tube MORE

    “A star is born! Finally, a fresh voice, a musical talent not seen for at least a generation. I am stunned. Ms. Jones has the voice, the musical training and the expressive feeling to interpret the songs well chosen for this album.”
    -Raymondo, A reviewer, www.barnesandnoble.com

    “blue-eyed soul.” Once a label applied to white musicians who sang with an R&B influence, it’s been tossed around so often that any non-black performer, is labeled as such. Fortunately for true soul fans, Leigh Jones overcomes this cliché with her exquisitely enjoyable debut, Music in My Soul.
    -Melody Charles, Soul Tracks

    “Leigh Jones wins!!! “Favorite Female Breakout Artist of the Year Award” by the “American Society of Young Musicians” in Las Vegas along with Justin Timberlake and Wayne Newton.”
    -ASYM, 16Th Annual ASYM Awards

    “Throughout my career I have been blessed to discover many great musical talents. I feel Leigh Jones is destined to be one of the next great stars. She can do it all – Pop, R&B, Jazz and Blues. She’s awesome!” -Berry Gordy
    -Berry Gordy, Music in My Soul

    Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes, singer/songwriter and new Peak Records recording artist Leigh Jones. Destined to be herald as possibly the most naturally soulful white female R&B singer since Teena Marie.”
    -Robin Loves Music, A reviewer, Talking Smooth Jazz 

    THIS LADY IS QUITE SIMPLY THIS LADY IS QUITE SIMPLY STUNNING. Everyone should buy 2 cds cause you are definitely gonna wear out the first one. GO BUY THE CD Lets have a crossover hit. “
    -Dave the Rave, Soul Tracks MORE 

  • Artist Highlight – Stanley Jordan

    Celebrating grammy-award nominated
    Stanley Jordan

    Ranie Smith, Executive Director of the UC Jazz Club, honored Stanley Jordan at one of the first Ranie’s Jazz Salon functions. He held the function at Jim Dennis Photography Studio. Everyone had a wonderful time and I encourage you to get in touch with us to be put on this special invitation list. The gatherings are for UC Jazz Club members and the press only. Lloyd Gregory and Rolando Morales were present at the function to honor Stanley Jordan.

    Stanley Jordan performs “All Blues” of his “State of Nature CD”

    Stanley Jordan, world renowned musician and now holistic philosopher, has released a new CD “State of Nature”. It is a true gift. 

    “State of Nature” promises to become a hit. It combines Jordan’s magical ability to compose music that inspires and refreshes with his amazing musical skill. When listening to the album you are taken on a magical journey that is both uplifting and enlightening. Stanley brings nature to life and urges us to embrace it while at the same time enjoying our humanity as part of nature. The CD starts with “A Place in Space” which is fun to listen to. It evokes a feeling of bouncing harmoniously in space among many other stars and planets. This composition is melodic and modern. It immediately demonstrates Jordan’s ability to play guitar in a way that hardly anyone else can match. The notes are bouncing, echoing, flowing, and they create a feeling of richness and fullness that reminds us that we are part of a very big mysterious world. Jordan asks us with his commentary in the liner notes to become conscious and aware of this vast and mysterious Universe. He suggests that as we become aware of the infinite vastness of space we will naturally grow to love and care for our precious planet, our home called Earth.
     
    He continues on with “All Blues”. This composition brings us right back down to earth with its bluesy and smoky sound. It reminds us that we are part of everyone and everything. We are part of the All. Stanley Jordan invites us along this musical journey and into his musical mind with the accompanying poem in the liner notes:  “Universal and cool, blowing indigo riffs to syncopate the primordial swing. Hip changes reverberate for Miles and stretch modal and blue across the landscape of now.” Like his music, Stanley Jordan is so very, very cool!
     
    With “Forest Garden” Jordan increases the sophistication in this haunting and beautiful sonata by bringing in natural sounds of birds, the sound of a breeze in the leaves and wolves howling in the background. His guitar sounds classic and pure. Meta Weiss on cello perfectly compliments Stanley’s harmonies, and percussionist Hartt Steams is breezy, transporting you to this peaceful outdoor garden setting. Here Stanley succeeds in creating a feeling of refreshing peace. In his poem he describes the feeling: “In a perfect state of original oneness all things and beings in the garden simply are. The arrival of humankind brings a new awareness and a new capacity for compassion.”

    Jordan then brings us the moving and mournful popular love song “Insensatez” by Jobim, who not only mourns his lost love but also his own behavior that brought about the loss. Stanley Jordan’s rendition of the song is beautiful. In his liner notes he reminds us that often our callous behavior is unintended. He muses that perhaps we shut down our empathy precisely because we are so sensitive, too sensitive to allow ourselves to feel the pain we cause others because it might become too overwhelming.

    We are healed by the next piece which is the wonderful “Mozart’s Piano Concierto #21- Andante in F” played flawlessly by Jordan as a celebration of our own potential for greatness. We can bask in the perfection of Mozart’s composition while realizing how complex and wonderful we are. Within each of us slumbers this great potential.

    Stanley Jordan and Mozart’s Piano Concierto #21

    “Song for my Father” is included as a tribute to David Jordan, Stanley’s own father. This Horace Silver classic is a perfect fit on this wonderful journey. Peaceful, energetic and playful, it lets us all wander down memory lane. Stanley Jordan, Song for my Father – live in Paris “Mindgames 1, 2, & 3” are Stanley Jordan’s own brief compositions which bring nice transitions between songs. Stanley urges us to take mental breaks and to exercise our minds regularly. Read the full poem in the liner notes. Stanley is not just an amazing musician but also a wonderful poet and philosopher.
     
    “Ocean Breeze,” composed by Jordan and sitarist Jay Kishor, is a perfect meeting of East and West. It is harmonious and serene. Stanley brings cool Western poise to this song and Jay’s sitar brings Eastern serenity. Together they refresh our spirit.
     
    Jordan’s composition “Healing Waves” is beautiful, and promises to be an instant classic. In true Stanley Jordan style it combines abstract music with rich melodies and harmonies. It is at once demanding and soothing. It evokes many feelings, assisting with the release of emotions and eventually bringing one back to a harmonious, peaceful and centered place. If you like classical music you will definitely love this piece.
     
    “Shadow Dance” displays the richness of the full Stanley Jordan sound. It may be a little reminiscent of Kitaro or of Santana. This piece is melodic, beautiful and rich, yet easy to listen to. I needed to sit back and listen to it over and over again. Jordan bares his soul with this song and allows us to delve deeply into our own. In his liner notes poem he ends: “Time Passes. Somewhere in the distance I hear bells. A ray of golden light has pierced the gray clouds and awakened me.” This song is like a cosmic and mystical journey home.
     
    After another “Mind Games” break we come to “Prayer for the Sea,” another original on this CD. It is modern, and Stanley succeeds in bringing out his abstract musical style in a deeply harmonious way. This song is relaxing like a day at the beach on a sunny Spring afternoon. It is also reminiscent of the first song “A Place in Space” on the album, yet this time is feels close and cozy. Prayer for the Sea reminds us that we need to care for ourselves, our home “Earth” and especially our oceans which cover 70% of the earth. Let’s become aware and conscious of the need to preserve water before it becomes another “oil crisis. “
     
    “State of Nature” ends with the old-school hit “Steppin’ Out” and brings the CD to a joyous ending. After this musical journey I am ready to embrace my humanity and Stanley Jordan’s CD and I are ready for “Steppin’ Out”. I am energized yet relaxed. What a great musical experience!
     
    Stanley Jordan came to prominence with the release of his 1985 debut album Magic Touch, which sold over 500,000 copies. Magic Touch placed him at the forefront of re-launching the legendary Blue Note Records into a contemporary entity of jazz and beyond, as well as establishing Stanley Jordan as among the most distinctive and refreshing new voices of the electric guitar. He has enchanted millions of listeners around the world ever since.

    I recommend that you go out and buy Jordan’s new CD. It is totally worth it and available at all major music retail outlets. If you can catch his show try to see him. Stanley is once again proofs to be amazing!

    From the moment he made his debut in 1985 with the gold-selling Grammy© nominated album MagicTouch, guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan has proven himself as a forward thinking innovator. With his nimbly executed “touch” or “tap” technique, he ushered a dazzling and spellbinding new sound into the world of progressive instrumental music.

    Over the course of five major recordings and several smaller independent releases, Stanley has explored earthly and astral musical trailways. Because of the extraordinary originality of his approach to guitar, Stanley has been looked upon first and foremost as a musical original, orbiting in an artistic universe without predecessor or immediate successor.

    With his groundbreaking 2007 album, “State Of Nature” his debut for the Mack Avenue label, Stanley Jordan makes another bold step by using his music to musically illustrate profound and unifying truths about man’s relationship to nature and humankind.