February 2013 Catalog Of Exclusive Releases - Forced Exposure

GENE RUSSELLNew DirectionLabelSNOW DOG RECORDSFormatCDCatalog NumberSDGBJ 1201CDEAN4526180110606Y(5C61IA*LLKQKQ(Store Price$10.99Release Date02/05/13TerritoryNORTH AMERICAN EXCLUSIVEGenreFILE UNDER - R - JAZZDESCRIPTION"Think Ahmad Jamal. Vince Guaraldi. Junior Mance. Red Garland.Ramsey Lewis. Then think again. It's Gene Russell with his New Direction, analbum that originally appeared in 1971, only to be reissued on CD in 2003 as animport. But now New Direction serves as a kind of flagship re-reissue for BlackJazz and its catalog of recordings made by label founder Russell from sessionsproduced in New York City and Los Angeles during the early to mid 1970s.Essentially a trio recording of mostly covers, New Directions begins with 'BlackOrchid,' with that amalgamation of the piano stylists referred to above, a kind ofsonic rainbow with percussion. A driving, Latin-flavor confection, 'Black Orchid' isfull of chords, based around two in particular, but with a sweet melody that grabsyour attention right off. Russell's playing - which features a unique blend of chordsand single lines but driven by an insistence that speaks to forward motion - isamply displayed here, his almost simple expressions perfectly enhanced by thespritely rhythmic textures. By way of contrast, and as a feature to New Directions,we visit one of the other predominant musical styles the album has to offer. 'Hittingthe Jug' is your simple, basic blues, a medium-tempo swinger that, bereft ofpercussion, now offers a clear picture of the trio, the mix putting Russell in themiddle, with bassist Henry Franklin (Larry Gates on bass for the opener andcloser) and drummer Steve Clover on opposite sides. This one's a showcase formore chords and single notes, patience with the elementals, not to mention howthe band can swing inside this more measured rhythmic gate. Simple.Straightforward. Honest. That Gene Russell on New Direction." -- John Ephland;Personnel: Henry Franklin (bass), Steve Clover (drums), Tony Williams (congas),Gene Russell (piano), Larry Gates (bass) on "Black Orchid" and "Making Bread."TRACKLISTING01. Black Orchid02. Hitting the Jug03. Willow Weeping for Me04. Listen Here05. On Green Dolphin Street06. Silver's Serenade07. My Cherie Amour08. Making BreadHIGHLIGHTS• Snow Dog Records reissues the 1971 album by jazz keyboardist/producerGene Russell, originally released on Black Jazz Records.• Recordings made by label founder Russell from sessions produced in New YorkCity and Los Angeles during the early to mid-1970s.• Includes contributions from musicians such as Tony Williams, Steve Clover,Larry Gates and Henry Franklin.Also available:(SDGBJ 1210CD) Gene Russell: Talk to My Lady CD [EAN #4526180114260]Press Contact: eric@forcedexposure.comExclusively Distributed by219 Medford Street, Malden, MA 02148ph: (781) 321-0320 • fx: (781) 321-0321fe@forcedexposure.com39 New Releases February 5th 2013