MP3 Sunlightsquare - Urban Sessions

Urban, dancefloor-jazz. Where electronica meets acoustic jazz with a soul/funk edge to it.

10 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Acid Jazz, ELECTRONIC: Electronica



Details:
Featuring on Urban Sessions:

Musicians:
Steve Gadd (Drums)
Will Lee (Bass)
Claudio Passavanti (Piano)

Vocalists:
Joy Malcolm (Moby, Incognito)
Sharlene Hector (Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz)
Z-Star (Slow Train)

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Welcome to Sunlightsquare, the brilliant brainchild of pianist Claudio Passavanti, a multi-faceted fusion of jazz and electronica destined to devastate dance floors, as well as soundtrack the morning after as night breaks to day.

Considering the music is imbued with a warm summer groove, it's surprising that the record is completely inspired by Claudioâs relocation to the heart of East London. In a little studio, a stone's throw from vibrant Shoreditch and the excitable pulse of Brick Lane, Claudio soaked up the urgent beat of the East End and combined it with his love for organic jazz instrumentation.

âThe first album I wanted to buy was Kraftwerkâs Man Machine in 1978. I said, Mom, I want the robot album,â he recalls, smiling at the memory. âI was into repetitive music that was electronic and visionary, although at the time I didnât realise it.â

To this day the German four-pieceâs influence is evident, although the traces are subtle, more a frame of mind than a direct musical comparison. In seeking to create an album seamlessly uniting his experimental side and his jazz roots, Claudio has never shied away from testing boundaries, splicing drumbeats and cutting up vocals, drawing stimulation from the Warp Records, Gilles Peterson, Pat Metheny and Jazzanova. However, such edginess is never, ever at the expense of the songs. It is truly fresh crossover music, which also incorporates a range of rhythmic styles from latin to bashment, drum n bass to funk, plus an array of rhodes and acoustic pianos, delays, synthesizers and theremins.

Collaborating with Will Lee on bass and Steve Gadd on drums whoâs combined musical experience is nothing if not astounding, Claudio set about weaving urban vocalists such as Sharlene Hector (Basement Jaxx), Joy Malcolm (Moby, Incognito) and Zee Star (Slow Train) into the mix. The combined effect is sophisticated and fluid, forget soulless chill out, this record throbs with an organic ambience all itâs own.

Kim Taylor Bennett - Editor of CD: UK
(BBC Collective, JACK Magazine, Dazed and Confused, NME, Kerrang)


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Sunlightsquareâs Biographies



---Claudio Passavanti

Claudio was just six years old when he asked for Kraftwerkâs futuristic opus, but in fact it was three years earlier that he first started tinkling on the piano, playing incessantly and driving his parents to distraction. Born in Rome on March 6, 1972, Claudio began studying the piano formally at nine years old. His prodigious talent took him to play many clubs in Rome in his teens before he headed to LA to study orchestral composing and arranging at the Grove School of Music.

His move to LA was certainly fortuitous as he began to make his name in the local jazz scene, playing gigs with the top cats and culminating in his first album as a solo artist âAfter Hours Ritualâ (Sony Music) - with legendary rhythm section John Patitucci and Dave Weckl (Chick Corea's band). His second work âThe Spiceâ is a collaboration with drummer Tom Brechtlein, award winning percussionist Luis Conte and guitar player Paul Jackson Jr., and again John Patitucci.

Claudioâs unique musical style brought him on the stage of several jazz festivals across Europe but also propelled him as a session keyboard player, giving him a chance to explore diverse musical genres by working for artists such as: Bryan Adams, Zucchero, Oscar award winning composer (âIl Postinoâ) Luis Bacalov, Pino Daniele, Lucio Dalla, Ivan Lins.

As he moved to London in 2002, in search of new inspiration he got rapidly involved in the production of Electro, Dance and Ambient - which closed the circle of his wide artistic journey, getting him back to his first love for electronic music. Since then Claudio has produced official remixes for: Kyle Minogue, Danii Minogue, Kim Marsh, Evanescence, Emma Bunton, Girls Aloud, Shania Twain, Sugarbabes, Lee Ann Rymes, Pet Shop boys, Whitney Houston, Lisa Scott-Lee as well as several original Motownâs tracks including Dusty Springfield and Berry White.




---Steve Gadd

For the past 25 years Steve Gadd has been one of the worldâs most acclaimed drummers. His technique is precise and emotionally intense, spending the best part of the 70s honing his skills and forging a new era in studio craft. Gaddâs real skill lies in his diversity; his ability to seamlessly adapt to any musical style, from pop to jazz, R&B to fusion, adding his own unshakeable groove and unique musicality.

Born in Rochester, New York on 9 April 1945, Gadd started playing drums as a child, as well as tap dancing with his brother at a local club. Soon he could be found drumming alongside visiting artists, most notably sitting in with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie at age 11. With his appetite suitably whet, Gadd went on to study music at the Manhattan School, when back home in Rochester he would play with Chuck Mangione. After three years in the army, brushing up on his big band skills, Gadd set off for the Big Apple. He quickly reached the top of the session hierarchy, playing countless dates and wowing all who witnessed Gadd behind his kit. The breadth of his work is truly exceptional. He has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Paul McCartney, Rickie Lee Jones, Carly Simon, Al Jarreau, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Nancy Wilson, Bob James, Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola, George Benson, Carla Bley, Paul Simon, Cick Corea and dozens more.


By the mid-1970s he was making historic recordings. These include virtuoso outings such as âThe Leprechaunâ with pianist Chick Corea; âAjaâ with Steely Dan; and several cuts with Paul Simon (including âFifty Ways To Leave Your Loverâ and âLate In The Eveningâ) â grooves which lent such startling originality to a popular context that they are now forever part of drumming folklore. The impact of these recordings shook drummers worldwide and Steve became the most imitated player of his generation.

As the recording scene diminished over the past decade Steve moved his base back home to Rochester and in recent years has spent more time on the road. He has recently toured the world with Eric Clapton and such luminaries as Paul Simon and James Taylor.


---Will Lee

It's after midnight and the eerie sounds of Miles Davis' muted trumpet drift from the stereo and into the bedroom of three-year-old Will Lee, from this point on Lee was hooked. Music has always been in Leeâs blood: his father played piano and has also played trumpet and bass violin professionally, while Will's mother sang with big bands. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1952, his parentâs talents led Will on a circuitous route from one instrument to another âtorturous piano lessons, a short relationship with violin, French horn and demanding trumpet lessons taught by his father.

Inspired by The Beatles performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, Will then took up drums. By the time he was 12 he had formed his first band in Miami. Playing popular surf tunes characteristic of the 60s, band members earned $9 a night. However, drummers in Miami were a dime a dozen and Will with his diverse talents, shifted to bass, an instrument which offered more opportunities. Quickly becoming a successful bass player, Will was part of a succession of groups including top 40 bands with names like "Chances R" "The Loving Kind" and "Green Cloud."

Formally trained, at the University of Miami, Lee studied French horn for a year and then switched to a bass major. After classes, he worked on bass fundamentals listening and learning from the masters: the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Miller, The Rascals, Motown and Sly & the Family Stone. Sometimes playing up to six sets a night gigging with local bands, including the innovative horn band called "Goldrushâ, Leeâs dedication and passion was ceaseless then and remains undimmed now.

It wasnât long before Will Leeâs reputation spread throughout the music world, and a whole host of musicians came knocking. Trumpeter Randy Brecker called Will out of class one day and invited him to New York to audition for "Dreams". Once there, Will's career really took off and he continued to cut his teeth touring with the likes of B.J.Thomas, Horace Silver, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, The Brecker Brothers, and Herbie Mann. Gaining experience in the commercial field, Will found himself in high demand. As a bassist and singer, he's recorded with an extensive array of top performers including David Sanborn, Boz Scaggs Diane Schuur, Tom Scott, Neil Sedaka, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Phoebe Snow, Ronnie Spector, The Spinners, Spyro Gyra, Ringo Starr, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens and Barbara Streisand, Burt Bacharach, Bee Gees, George Benson, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Ray Charles, Cher, D'angelo, Deodato, Dr. John, Peter Erskine, Donald Fagen, Aretha Franklin, Bob James, Billy Joel, Chaka Khan, Kool And The Gang, Cyndi Lauper, Taj Mahal, Manhattan Transfer, Tania Maria, Dave Matthews, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Nina Simone, Mike Stern, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Weather Report.




---Joy Malcolm

Recently become Mobyâs lead vocalist, Joy Malcolm is a vocalist with a truly amazing history. With a strong Gospel background and strict Christian upbringing. At the age of 11 Joy began studying classical music and by the age of 16 she was a lead vocalist in the 'Inspirational Gospel Choir', one of the UK's most reputable gospel choirs. This led to her having her first major recording studio experience singing backing vocals for Eighties group Madness.

In 1995, Joy was the main featured vocalist on Incognito's most successful album to date, "100 Degrees and Risinâ". The promotional tour for the Incognito album took Joy all over the World to countries such as USA, Japan, Australia and New Zealand as well as extensive tours of the UK and Europe. This album, which predominantly features Joy's voice, gave the band its first ever-highest credibility and record sales around the world.

During 1996, Joy successfully completed a world tour with Incognito, and this exposure was one of the highlights of Joy's career and even today, the memory of Joyâs live performances still live in the minds of many who were privileged to have seen Joy live on stage.

In addition to Joy's performances on stage with Incognito, she has also had the pleasure of performing live alongside the likes of George Benson, Diana Reeves, Roy Ayers, Jocelyn Brown, Kenny Thomas, Monie Love and Chaka Khan to name but a few.

She also wrote and recorded songs with the likes of, Philadelphia based band, 'The Roots', Tim Lawes, Young Disciples, Robert Owens and Jolyon Skinner, (current producer/songwriter for US R&B artist, 'Joe').

She sang background vocals on Maxi Priest's song, 'For the love of You', 80âs pop sensation band Madness, Suggs (of 80âs pop band Madness), Drizabone, Bomb the Bass, Coldcut, French rap star, MC Solar, (album: Solar Power, featured song title, âSolar Powerâ).
In 2000, Joy wrote and co-produced a theme song which was later used as the soundtrack for a short British movie, âPunchbagâ.

Over the years, Joy has continued her musical relationship with Vienna based BMG signed artist/producer, 'Klaus Waldeck', and today, she is even referred to as 'the voice of Waldeck'. âBalance of the Forceâ and The Night Gardenâ, whereby she has co-wrote and co-producing on these albums.
She recently worked on Michael McDonald Motown album, which was released in 2004, and in 2005, Joy sang backing vocals on TV for Heather Small, Lemar, Jamelia and John Legend and is currently co writing again with Waldeck in preparation for their 3rd album, and she has recently been in the studio with Jocelyn Brown and Westlife.





---Zee Star

Z-star (pronounced zee) is one of those artists you must see live. Her energy is charismatic, fresh and spontaneous, fortified with a British West Indian flava. Z* delivers a stylish mix of Folk funk blues soul latin afro jazz-rock pyschedelia, aka soul-jazz. A striking individual, as vocalist she is in a class of her own. Her tone ranges from deep rasp to soft whispers both intimate and intense engaging the listener in every melodic twist of her jazz scat. Writing primarily on acoustic gtr which she plays like an extension of herself, she sources inspiration from all things percussive. Musically she has been compared to Meshell Ndegeocello, Joan Armatrading, Sade and Sly & the Family Stone. Influences are varied from the contemporary to classic Jill Scott to Marvin Gaye, Bessie Smith to Keziah Jones, Yusef Lateef to Cat Stevens.

Born in East London to Trinidadian parents, z-star spent her first eight years traveling throughout Europe and the US with her mother Lisa Yeates aka Schultzi, who in the late 70s enjoyed international success as a top catwalk model. The ensuing ten years were spent in Trinidad whilst her mother engaged in a new career in Hotel and Catering, Z christened Michelle Nichol attended St Teresas primary school then went on to St James Secondary Finishing her schooling at the nearby Polytechnic. Spending these formative years in amongst the many travelers who visited the island and her home she was directly exposed to a variety of cultural and musical styles from the South American afro-bossa beats to New Orleans Cajun blues, British Punk and New wave the young musician devoured all things musical.


Z-star has recorded, supported and performed with Terry Callier, Youssoo Ndour, Angelique Kidjo, Sunlightsquare, Gary Brooker, Nigel Kennedy, Omar, Keziah Jones, Natacha Atlas, Steve Williamson, Noel Mckoy, Mauro Pagani, Ciccio Morolla the list goes on.

She was invited as a guest vocalist in Nigel Kennedyâs jazz band which went on tour throughout Europe in 2003 and received much praise from the press charismatic, genuine creativity! CLIVE DAVIS The Times MAR 2003. In April 2002, Z* was amongst the celebrity cast of The Vagina Monologues (Isabella Rossellini, Myeera Syal, Beverley Knight) and together performed the closing song to much applause from the sold out Royal Albert Hall.

As things naturally unfold Z* chose to use the name Lady Z as an alias for her dance music collaborations. She is also one half of the soul jazz electro duo SLOW TRAIN SOUL with Danish dance producer Morten Varano (Wagram, Tommy Boy). The duo have had huge success internationally on the underground dance music scene appearing in all the top compilations, Hotel Costes, Buddha Bar, Jazz Diva series and more.



---Sharlene Hector


Even though you may not know her name, you may know her face. Do you remember a young girl walking down a street which could be anywhere in the world, sing a song and handing out bottles of a certain soft drink? Well, that young lady is the London based singer, Sharlene Hector. She was lucky enough to star in Coca-Colaâs most successful ad campaign to date, the âI Wishâ Campaign, which was also the first campaign created outside the US to be aired in the States.

Sharlene Hectorâs impressive CV spans a wide musical spectrum. Influenced by Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott, sheâs had the honour of performing and recording with greats such as Boy George, The Brand New Heavies, Roy Ayers and Tori Amos to name a few.
For the past few years she has been part of the Basement Jaxx experience providing backing vocals on hits like âDo Your Thingâ and âGood Luckâ as well as singing lead vocals while touring with them over the States, Japan and Europe.
More recently, Sheâs had the opportunity of working with Soulful-House outfit Reel People singing lead on their current single âThe Rainâ, which has achieved underground success in the UK.
Adding to the soul and funk repertoire are Bembe Segue and Mark De Clive Lowe with whom she performed at the Java Music Festival in 2006.

Sharlene is also currently working on her solo project but she still finds time to sing backing vocals for new artists such as Corinne Bailey-Rae and established ones like The Gorillaz, as well as write with Bugz In The Attic and Michelle Escoffery, and dance producers Knee Deep.