New Music Monday

Listen in on Monday, October 24 at noon to these New Music Monday highlights.

Duduka da Fonseca & Quarteto Universal: “Yes!!!”
Growing up in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo, nicknamed Duduka in his youth, was fortunate to have parents who were jazz fans, so he heard many of the 1950s jazz greats. As he entered his teens and started learning the drums, the bossa nova movement was taking hold so he experienced firsthand the swaying sounds of his native Brazil. In 1976 Duduka da Fonseca relocated to New York to pursue his dream of melding bossa nova and samba with jazz in his own distinctive style. He’s a successful author of the book; “Brazilian Rhythms for ” Drumset”. In 1986 da Fonseca founded the popular and influential Trio da Paz. Just before the pandemic hit, Duduka and his longtime pianist, the gifted Helio Alves decided to form the Quarteto Universal with Vinicius Gomes-guitar and Gil Lopes on bass. “Yes!!!” is their initial recording and it doesn’t disappoint. In fact, I say yes to further recordings by them soon.

Roberta Donnay: “Blossom-ing–Celebrating the Music of Blossom Dearie”
For the past 10 years, Roberta Donnay has led her Prohibition Mob Jazz Band specializing in the jazz songs of the 1920s and ’30s. Donnay was raised in Washington DC and she listened to a wide array of female singers. After establishing herself with several recordings under her belt she decided to go see the renowned singer-pianist Blossom Dearie perform near the end of her career. Roberta became enamored of Dearie’s unique interpretations and decided to issue an album where she sings the songs associated with Blossom Dearie. Roberta likes to say, “I think there’s a little Blossom in all of us”.

Jason Marshall: “New Beginnings”
A very much in-demand baritone saxophonist, Jason began playing alto and switched to the bari when he was 12 years old. He’s studied with the late Ronnie Cuber among other masters and has developed a unique sound. A versatile player, Marshall has played in funk, soul, and hip-hop bands as well as leading his own group. Jason adheres to the philosophy of moving ahead with the past in hand, for him music is also about spirituality and elevating the consciousness of the listener. For his second album, Jason is teamed with Marc Cary-piano, Gerald Cannon-bass, and Willie Jones III on the drums. This session was recorded live in the studio during a snowstorm in NYC, in January of 2022 and rapidly mastered and pressed for release in 9 months, most unusual in today’s world.

Every Monday starting at Noon, I debut the latest arrivals to the KUVO Jazz library, many of them are debuted ahead of their official release date. In addition to the music comments, I’ll provide a few tidbits about the artist in particular if it’s a new or up-and-coming artist.

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