Tommy Chung - Blues Time - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Braxton Cook is one of this generation's most exciting voices. An NAACP Image Award nominee, he has also earned attention from NPR's Tiny Desk, Forbes, The New Yorker, Fader and The Washington Post. A uniquely talented vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer, Cook blends jazz, soul, and alt-R&B into a fresh new sound all his own. While a student at Juilliard, Braxton toured with Grammy Award-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott and has since moved onto headline tours in the US, UK and Europe, graced the stages of internationally renowned jazz festivals and toured and performed with Christian McBride Big Band, Jon Batiste, Tom Misch, and Masego, among others. This album is about embracing change, that when seasons arrive where moves are inevitable, you have to lean into them. InchBe who you are, obviously,Inch Cook said. InchBut with that, some things will shift and it's okay. InchThis song and title track of the album InchNot Everyone Can GoInch sets the tone for what the album is about. It's about letting go of what no longer serves me during this stage of life; friends, relationships, partnerships, behaviors conscious and unconscious that I need to break free from in order to go to this next phase.Inch InchThere's a lot to be up in arms about, a lot to be stressed about, a lot to be scared about. But this particular record, it's a reminder to myself and others to take stock in what it is you do have and be grateful for breath in your lungs. It's like, 'Man, I'm alive.' I got breath in my lungs. I got up today. I have two beautiful kids. And I'm like, it's going to be alright.Inch.

Features four outstanding tracks by Tommy Castro, plus soulsatisfying performances by vocal dynamo Janiva Magness, rocking blues guitarist Michael InchIron ManInch Burkes, world class harpist/singer/songwriter Rick Estrin, master stringbenders Joe Louis Walker and Debbie Davies, tough young roots trio Trampled Under Foot, blues empress Sista Monica Parker and Southern soul man Theodis Ealey.

Hans Theessink and Terry Evans may be from separate sides of the Atlantic Ocean but they work together beautifully and make sense as a natural combination. These two vastly experienced and respected musicians are committed performers who are a perfect foil for each other. Theessink's lazy baritone and Evans' extraordinarily soulful gospel tones are tailor made to blend together with spine-tingling results. Timeless blues, gospel and soul related music comes alive in the capable hands of these two masters. With just two guitars and two remarkable voices they bring forth honest and straightforward power in a stripped down musical situation - an unhurried vibe that's contagious and flows with the easy rhythm of buddies with mutual respect having a blast singing and playing together. Guitarist Ry Cooder is featured on 3 tracks and joining Terry on backing vocals on 5 tracks are Arnold McCuller and Willie Greene Jr..