Miles Okazaki - The Sky Below - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Greek composer-pianist Panayiotis Demopoulos is a man who plays many parts an established composer and pianist in the contemporary classical genre, with highly-praised recordings, he is also, alongside his 'day job' as a high-level local government officer, an accomplished composer and performer of modern jazz. The suite InchNina's ClockInch employs solo piano with some 'preparation' and is part improvised on a structured skeleton, and follows the story of one night after recording sessions, a variety of moods and styles. The suite has eleven movements and is not set out on anything like the normal twelve InchO'clocksInch but is a reflection of moods, external stimuli and events as felt by the composer. Demopoulos has recorded classical and contemporary music for both the Métier and Diversions labels and is busy preparing two more classical albums.

Thisness is guitarist Miles Okazaki's third album for Pi Recordings with his band Trickster. It is a sequel to The Sky Below, which was described by Allmusic as Inchan umbrella of labyrinthine lyricism, full of mischief and delight as a harmonic foundation,Inch and by Point of Departure as Inchoverflowing with energy, and elegant despite it's complexity.Inch The critical success of that album and WORK, an ambitious recording of the complete compositions of Thelonious Monk for solo guitar, helped land Okazaki atop the Rising Star Jazz Guitarist category in the Downbeat Critics Poll.For the new album, Okazaki has created a to improvise that emphasizes non-linear flow between musical ideas. Rather than a fixed book of compositions, the music is comprised of various themes connected by hubs that Okazaki describes as akin to traffic circles. Through hidden musical cues, the leader signals when the music is approaching the transition point and which exit path to take. Trickster features the rhythm section of bassist Anthony Tidd, and drummer Sean Rickman, who provide an elastic foundation, hurtling and tugging on the ever-present groove. Keyboardist Matt Mitchell and Okazaki together are a marvel of cohesion Their constant weaving of contrapuntal, labyrinthine lines astound with their nimble precision. Despite all the obvious complexity, the playing feels effortlessly in service of the music rather than pointlessly dazzling. The wonder lies in their journey, with beautiful new vistas opening with each turn in the road.

Bizzy Bone has teamed up with his close friend Bad Azz from the Dogg Pound clique and collaborated on this great project, THUG POUND, just straight heat from two veterans. Everyone already knows how well Bizzys solo career has gone with over a million records sold as a solo artist. Bad Azz has been an original member if Snoop Doggs crew and today still tours extensively with them all across the globe. Originally Bad Azz was signed to Columbia Records back in 2001 and sold 150,000 units of his debut project, PERSONAL BUSINESS. He has been featured on countless Dog Pound releases and hopes to revive his solo career with the help of his close friend Bizzy Bone on, THUG POUND, straight heat from two veterans.