Sounds of Berklee

Orquestra Was, I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:21 -0500

For decades, Don Was has been producing some of the biggest names in rock—artists like the Stones, Dylan, and Bonnie Raitt. He's as busy as ever, but in recent months, he's been spending time on the Berklee campus, working with students. During the fall 2009 semester, he put together a band of students to perform a concert featuring songs he's written or produced. One of the tunes the group will perform with Was and faculty member Marty Walsh is from a 1997 release by Orquestra Was. It's called "I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time."

Dafnis Prieto, Si o Si

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:20 -0400

Cuba-born drummer and composer Dafnis Prieto has been a dynamic force on both the jazz and Latin music scenes since moving to New York 10 years ago. He's been nominated for two Grammy Awards and has played with a long list of stellar musicians, such as Chucho Valdés, Michel Camilo, and Don Byron. The Dafnis Prieto Si o Si Quartet is performing two dates in October 2009 as part of Marsalis Berklee Jams. "Si o Si" is the first track from the group's new live recording.

Donald Harrison, Water Meter

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:01 -0400

Berklee alumnus and saxophonist Donald Harrison is the originator of the nouveau swing style, which merges acoustic swing with modern r&b, second-line, hip-hop, New Orleans African American roots culture, and reggae rhythms. Harrison has played with many of the big names in jazz, but he has also discovered and nurtured talented up-and-comers like Christian Scott, Mark Whitfield, Dwayne Burno, Christian McBride, Cyrus Chestnut, and rap icon the Notorious B.I.G. He'll be performing in the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival's free outdoor show on September 26, 2009. This month's podcast features the Harrison tune "Water Meter."

Terri Lyne Carrington, Sherwood Forest

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:09 -0400

Berklee alumna Terri Lyne Carrington returned to her alma mater as a faculty member after spending many years building an impressive career as a drummer, composer, and producer. She has worked with a long list of jazz luminaries, including Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter. As she teaches the next generation of musicians, she continues to put her own stamp on contemporary music. "Sherwood Forest" is a tune from her 2009 release, More to Say . . . (Real Life Story: NextGen). The track was cowritten by Carrington and keyboardist George Duke and also features Duke and bassist Christian McBride.

Nini & Ben, Mother

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:16 -0400

Poignant songwriting and masterful musicianship come together in the music of Nini & Ben, a duo that accentuates its acoustic sound with gritty slide guitar and pedal steel. Nini & Ben have been writing songs together since their teenage years and arrived at Berklee together to take their music to another level. Their song, "Mother," featured here, also appeared on Dorm Sessions 6, the 2009 compilation from Berklee's student-run Heavy Rotation Records.

Cole DeGenova and the Peoples Republic, Take 'Em Home

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:41 -0400

Cole DeGenova and the Peoples Republic fuse several styles in its brand of danceable music: funk, r&b, jazz, blues, and rock, for starters. DeGenova founded the group in 2007 and has led it on tours in the U.S. and Europe. A Chicago native, DeGenova is a pianist, vocalist, and percussionist who has performed with top jazz and blues artists, such as Kurt Elling, Patricia Barber, and Jon Faddis. DeGenova and the Peoples Republic are one of several student groups performing in Berklee's Summer Concert Series in 2009.

Lalah Hathaway, Breathe

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:44 -0400

Vocalist and songwriter Lalah Hathaway is an artist of uncompromising vision. With each of the four albums she has released, Hathaway has displayed musical growth and a versatile voice. A 1994 Berklee graduate and daughter of soul great Donny Hathaway, she will perform with students and other alumni in the April 2009 Singers Showcase 25th anniversary concert. The song, "Breathe," from her 2008 release, Self Portrait, is a document of an artist at the top of her game.

Paula Cole, El Greco

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:37 -0500

After graduating from Berklee in the early 1990s, Paula Cole quickly established herself as a major label artist with songwriting skills as powerful as her vocal talents. In recent years, she has frequently returned to her alma mater to give clinics and concerts, including a March 2009 show paying tribute to the Music of Burt Bacharach. "El Greco" is a song from her most recent album, Courage.

Model Cars, Don’t Go Run Away

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:53 -0500

Model Cars is a Berklee student band formed by pianist/violinist Claudio Olachea, who began his studies at the college in 2006. Olachea was searching for an intelligent indie rock sound with strong grooves, melodies, and vocal harmonies. His quest led him to his three talented bandmates: guitarist Matt Berger, bassist Mike day, and drummer Kevin Lynch. “Don’t Go Run Away” is one of two tracks Model Cars recorded for Berklee’s student-run label, Heavy Rotation Records.

Hiromi's Sonicbloom, XYG

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:04 -0500

Hiromi's Sonicbloom is a four-member group whose collaborative improvisations defy bounds and categories. The group is led by Japanese pianist and keyboardist Hiromi, who graduated from Berklee in 2003. Hiromi's Sonicbloom also features guitarist David Fiuczynski, a member of the Berklee faculty; and an alumni rhythm section of bassist Tony Grey and drummer Martin Valihora. "XYG" is a Hiromi original that fuses high-energy jazz with elements of heavy metal. It's a track from the group's latest release, Beyond Standard, on the Telarc label.

Leo Blanco, Serendipity

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:00:02 -0400

Venezuelan pianist and composer Leo Blanco blends his country's sound—a mixture of African and Spanish musical traditions—with years of experience and training as a jazz and classical musician. He is also a Berklee alumnus and faculty member. "Serendipity" is from his new CD, Africa Latina, on the Ayva Music label. The disc features a host of talented players, including guitarist Lionel Loueke, Antonio Sanchez, and Donny McCaslin.

Shea Rose's, Free Love

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:51 -0400

Berklee student Shea Rose has been turning heads and ears with a fusion of rock, soul, and folk. She also has an armful of original songs that reveal an expansive emotional range while highlighting her chops as both a vocalist and guitarist. Shea Rose's "Free Love" is one of the tunes on tap for her performance at Berklee's Women in Rock concert, where she'll open for such greats as Nona Hendryx and Meshell Ndgeocello.

Fernando Brandao, Samba pra Juju

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:25:41 -0400

Berklee faculty member, flutist, and composer Fernando Brandão's talent and versatility has taken him to stages and studios around the world. He's known equally well for his work in the classical, jazz, and Latin music worlds and has played with artists such as Luciana Souza, Bill Pierce, Teresa Inês, and George Garzone. "Samba Pra JuJu" is the title track of his latest CD.

Kendrick Oliver and the New Life Jazz Orchestra, Wade in the Water

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:22:33 -0400

Berklee alumnus Kendrick Oliver and his 19-piece New Life Jazz Orchestra has been described by Jazz Times magazine as "inventive, vital, and fresh." The group plays Count Basie-style swing with foot-stomping arrangements, high-octane rhythms, and an unrestrained brass section. Their take on "Wade in the Water" features Christian McBride on bass.

The Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars, Centro Havana

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:22:22 -0400

The Berklee Latin Jazz All-Stars are winners of the 2008 Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Jazz Band. Sounds of Berklee for July 2008 features the six-piece group performing “Centro Havana,” a composition by Cuban flutist Oriente Lopez.

Zili Misik, Praia

Thu, 29 May 2008 10:22:53 -0400

Zili Misik is an all-woman band whose repertoire ranges from Haitian to blues to Afro-Cuban music and beyond. Most of the group's eight members are Berklee students or alumni. In this month's podcast, you'll hear "Praia," a song from the group's debut disc, New World Soul.

Jennifer "Nesi" Chianesi, Shake Up

Mon, 05 May 2008 14:27:19 +0000

Nesi, an 18-year-old rapper from Cranston, Rhode Island, is featured on this month's Sounds of Berklee. Her song, "Shake Up," made her a grand prize winner in Berklee and Essence magazine's Hip-Hop Songwriting Contest. The contest winners were selected by a panel that included hip-hop celebrity judges Yo-Yo, Pete Rock, and Roxanne Shante.

Annie Lynch and The Beekeepers, Dirty Laundry

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:33:07 +0000

This month's Sounds of Berklee track features the acoustic alternative folk music of student group Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers. "Dirty Laundry" is an excellent example of the band's unusual arrangements, which feature upright bass, cello, mandolin, banjo, accordion, and the occasional saw solo.

SFJAZZ Collective, Lion's Gate

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:28:43 -0500

This month Sounds of Berklee brings you SFJAZZ Collective, performing "Lion's Gate," written by the group's pianist Renee Rosnes. SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star ensemble featuring some of the jazz world's finest performers and composers. The group is playing in March as part of the Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee.

The Peasantry, Homie

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:29:17 -0500

Listen to "Homie," a song by a great student band—the Peasantry—in this month's podcast. The Peasantry is one of several student groups featured on the new disc from student-run Heavy Rotation Records and performing in the label's CD release concert this month.

Overjoyed, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:58:32 +0000

This month's featured song, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," featuring student vocalist Grace Taylor, is from Universidad Navideña, a collection of traditional Christmas songs and carols performed by collegiate jazz and choral ensembles. The album—an eclectic mix of genres such as jazz, salsa, gospel, opera, and pop—will complement any holiday cocktail party.

Rosa Passos, Obi

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:38:40 +0000

Fans all over the world know Rosa Passos to be loyal to her Afro-Brazilian culture, maintaining the traditional, soulful cool of bossa nova without commercial compromise. Listen to her sing "Obi," a Djavan song she'll sing with Berklee students and faculty in the November kickoff of this year's Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee.

A Bite of BeanTown with Conrad Herwig, Seven Steps to Heaven

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:24:36 +0000

Get a taste of the BeanTown Jazz Festival. Conrad Herwig is just one of the many artists performing at the free outdoor concert September 29. Herwig's "Seven Steps to Heaven " is from his collection of Latin jazz arrangements of classic Miles Davis compositions, Sketches of Spain Y Mas.

Eleonara Bianchini and Marcelo Woloski, Mundo Por Conocer

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:12:47 +0000

This month we feature a composition by student percussionist Marcelo Woloski, who wrote and recorded "Mundo Por Conocer" for The New Old School, the fourth release from Berklee's student-run jazz label, Jazz Revelation Records. "Mundo Por Conocer" features student vocalist Eleonora Bianchini.

Madi Diaz, Canvas

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:38:58 +0000

You could make a case that she's already ahead of Bob Dylan. After all, the iconic songwriter was 22 years old when he played the Newport Folk Festival for the first time in 1963. Fifth-semester student Madi Diaz, who will open for Linda Ronstadt at this year's festival in early August, is only 21.