Sly5thAve - Liberation - leading a whole orchestra on his new album

‘Liberation’ is the third solo LP from composer, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve. Layered with orchestral arrangements, jazz improvisation and Hip-Hop production, ‘Liberation’ is an accomplished record of courage, musical conviction, and growth. Known for his sophisticated compositions, Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II AKA Sly5thAve’s first experiences with large scale arranging were with the Club Casa Chamber Orchestra and recording instrumental covers of popular modern songs. Notably, his orchestral tribute to Dr. Dre, ‘The Invisible Man,’ garnered widespread praise and attention, even earning the admiration of Dr. Dre himself. Through these recordings Sly5thAve felt he had found a way to make people connect with orchestral music; “I’ve long felt orchestras around the world are inaccessible to most people – whether it be the programming or the cost, or the location”. The LP is Sly5thAve’s first full album of original orchestral arrangements and features the musicianship of Sly5thAve’s collaborators and Ghost Note bandmates - headed by Snarky Puppy's multi-Grammy–winning percussion duo Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, alongside previous collaborator Roberto Verástegui. MUSICIANS Sly5thAve – Bari Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Bass Clarinet, Aux Keys, Synth Bass, Drum Programming Roberto Verástegui – Keys (A1, B1, B3, C1, C3, C4, D2, D3) Todd M. Simon – Trumpets (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Robert “Sput” Searight – Drums (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Peter Knudsen – Guitar (A1, B1, B2, B3, C1, C3, C4, D1, D2, D3) Nate Werth – Percussion (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Jelani Brooks – Tenor Sax (A1) Michael Campagna – Trumpet (A1, B1, B2, C1, D1) Marío Cortés García – Contrabass (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Malik Taylor – French Horn (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Lemar Guillary – Trombone (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Jonathan Mones – Flutes & Sax (B1, B2, D1) Jay Jennings – Trumpet & Flugelhorn (A1, B2, B3, C1, C4, D2) Ibanda Ruhimbika – Tuba (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) MonoNeon – Bass (B3, C3, D2, D3) DominiqueXavier – Keys (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Domenica Fossati – Flute & Piccolo (A1, B1, B2, C1, D1) Dave Richards – Trumpet (B2, C4, D1) Daniel Wytanis – Trombone (B2, C4, D1) Ben Burget – Flutes, Clarinet & Alto Sax (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Antoine Katz – Bass (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) Alex Wasily – Trombone (A1, B1, B2, C1, C4, D1) MacKenzie – Vocals (C3) Kyle Rapps – Vocals (B3) STRINGS (A1, B1, B2, B3, C1, C4, D1, D2) Salomón Guerrero Alarcón – Cello Israel Torress Araiza – Violin Carols Roberto Gándara García – Violin Anna Arnal Ferrer - Viola

Paul Stanley’s Soul Station: Now And Then (2021)

Universal Music

Nick DePinna Releases Nexus Music, Vol. 1 on Orenda Records

Los Angeles composer/trombonist Nick DePinna releases Nexus Music, Vol. 1, a distinctly modern vision for the traditional big band ensemble, and the first in a series of releases on the forward-thinking and genre-defying label, Orenda Records.  This first EP release features three of DePinna’s compositions written over the past ten years amidst extensive work in film and television music, collaborations and mentorships with luminaries like James Newton, Kenny Burrell, and Lalo Schifrin, and touring as a member of the Brian Setzer Orchestra.  “Nexus Music, Vol. 1 presents my vision of music that combines the inner workings of contemporary classical music with the instrumentation and aesthetics of big band jazz. As an active composer and performer in both fields, I have a unique perspective to add to the ongoing dialogue between these two traditions. Co-produced with my close friend and collaborator, Ross Garren (who has a similarly diverse background), this album came together through years of training and experience in contemporary classical composition, studio and recording skills from producing music for film and television, and most importantly, a network of some of the finest musicians in the world.” –Nick DePinna  DePinna composed the opening piece, “Reveille” while in residency at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute with his new-music collective L.A. Signal Lab: “’Reveille’ was the result of some very meditative composing early in the morning in front of windows looking out on a tranquil green pasture in New Hampshire. Something about the stillness of the trees and grass inspired intricate and intense melodic lines that eventually transformed into a wild bugle call.”  Inspired by the California Central Coast beach that fell victim to an ecologically devastating oil spill in 2015, “Refugio” was commissioned by the culinary concert series Sensus for Taráxim, a tasting menu/concert celebrating the cultural and geographic diversity of Southern California. The recording features Sensus creator Tom Terrell on trumpet and flugelhorn, and DePinna’s long-time collaborator, saxophonist/composer Hitomi Oba.  The final piece of the EP, “Asceria” has the oldest roots of the set, with origins dating back to DePinna’s time in the graduate composition program at UCLA. “’Asceria’ is about two elements with a desire to understand each other. I’ve rewritten the latter two-thirds of this piece at least four times. In past versions, these elements either came into complete agreement or utterly obliterated each other -- narratives that I was never quite happy with. This final version recognizes that in real life, things are rarely this simple.”  NEXUS MUSIC, VOL. 1 was recorded July 2018 through March 2019 in a series of live and remote sessions throughout Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C. It was mixed by Ben Burget at 206 Studios, mastered by Dave Donnelly at DNA Mastering, and produced by Ross Garren and Nick DePinna. 

Philthy drops the album version of “Freaky” video featuring Elliott Yamin and Philip Lassiter. This Halloween appropriate visual experience will leave you laughing and bobbing your head for more. Stream/Purchase Philthy here: https://ift.tt/2zstwJR Video Credits: Executive Produce - Philip Lassiter Directed by - Josh "Optix" Levine & Philip Lassiter Director of Photography - Lorenzo DIego Edited by - Josh "Optix" Levine Chelsey Clime - Hot Girl Philip Fury Wainwright - FIsh Monster Breakdancer Song Credits: Written by Philip Lassiter & Elliott Yamin Production/Programming/Key/Trumpet - Philip Lassiter Vox - Elliott Yamin Bass - Dimitry Gorodetzcky Guitar - Mark Lettieri Additional Production/Guitar - Juan Ariza Tenor & Bari Saz - Doug Dehays Trombone - Chris Johnson Mixed by Ben Burget at 206 Studios by 21Soul

A very successful day of tracking drums on my new track with #NYC buddy #bryanbisordi @ #tubbytunesstudio w/ #garylux and #benburget #whitton #whittonmusic

Ghost-Note - Swagism

Ghost-Note’s sound has evolved to a state that can best be described as ‘conscious funk’ – an elaborate and sonically powerful surge of the tremendous talents that each of the players provides, with the bandleaders leaning back and letting the band go. The core lineup is a rotating cast of serious cats - all stretching to meet the expanding nature of the band. Robert Sput Searight - drums, rhodes, organ, & auxiliary keys Nate Werth - all percussion Anthony “AJ” Brown - bass guitar & key bass Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II - bari sax, tenor sax, & flute Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr.- bass guitar, guitar, and baritone guitar Jonathan Mones - alto sax & flute Michael Jelani Brooks - tenor sax & flute (A2 & A6) Xavier Taplin - auxiliary keys & vocals (A4, B2, B3, & B9)creditsreleased April 20, 2018 Featured Artists Nigel Hall - clavinet, moog, rhodes, prophet, arp odyssey, & organ (tracks A2, A3, A5, A7, & B8) Bobby Ray Sparks- moog & clavinet (track A3) Phil Lassiter - trumpet (track A4) Karl Denson - flute (track A5) Weedie Braimah - djembe, congas, dununs, & vocals (track A5) Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer- guitar (track A7) So So Topic - vocals (track A8) Kamasi Washington - tenor sax (track B3) Justin Stanton - prophet 6 (track A9) Prudence TheAuset Sneed - vocals (track B3) Rico Sisney - vocals (track B4) Ernie G - turntables/samples (track B6) Elise Testone - vocals (track B7) Guests: Alvin Ford Jr.- drums (tracks A7, A9, & B9) Michael Palma - rhodes, moog, clavinet, & prophet (tracks A5, A6, A8, A9, B1, B4, B6, B7, & B9) Nick “Galaxe” Werth - xylosynth (tracks A2, A4, A6, A7, A9, B1, B2, B7, B8, & B9) Bob Lanzetti - guitar (track A1) Ben Burget - flute & soprano sax (tracks A4 & B7) Chris Payton - guitar (track A7) Donny Domino - vocals (track A8) Mark Lettier i- guitar (track A9) Raja Kassis - guitar (track B3) Jay Jennings - commentary

Ghost-Note's new album, Swagism, drops 4/20/2018 on Ropeadope / RSVP Records. Pre-order: https://ift.tt/2pM8iOY Song: Smack 'Em "Swagism was recorded in the same way the band developed: start with the base and leave the destination wide open. With a growing cast of players bringing fresh new arrangements of sound, Nate and Sput brought in some friends, further altering the end game. Raja Kassis, Prudence the Auset Sneed, Kamasi Washington, Brandon ‘Taz’ Neiderauer, Nigel Hall, Bob Lanzetti, Alvin Ford Jr, Jay Jennings, Nick Werth, Bobby Ray Sparks, Phil Lassiter and many more added their incredible flourish to the album, rounding out a document that captures the entire Ghost-Note experience, tying everything together in the same way it evolved – as a family, as a multi-cultural band of humans that fully embraces the time they spend together and their common goal, complete with reflection on the times we live in. This is Ghost-Note." Band Members: Robert Sput Searight, Nate Werth, Anthony “AJ” Brown, Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II, Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr., Jonathan Mones, Michael Jelani Brooks, Xavier Taplin Guests: Alvin Ford Jr., Michael Palma, Nick “Galaxe” Werth, Bob Lanzetti, Ben Burget, Chris Payton, Donny Domino, Mark Lettieri, Raja Kassis, Jay Jennings Featured Artists: Nigel Hall, Bobby Ray Sparks, Justin Stanton, Phil Lassiter, Karl Denson, Weedie Braimah, Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer, So So Topic, Kamasi Washington, Prudence TheAuset Sneed, Justin Stanton by Ropeadope

Today at #TubbyTunesStudio, I heard the final mix of my new track "B&W to Color"! Mixer #GaryLux shined my sweet song from a dingy rock into a sparkly diamond! I recorded it at #206Studios with my brilliant team - multitalented musician & engineer #BenBurget and musicians #CooperApplet #MattHornbeck & #BryanBrock. I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet! THANK YOU so much guys! I can't wait to share it!

Happy October! So ready for Fall 🍂 Another day recording at #206Studios with Ben Burget! Life is grand 🎃

Recording new song, "Call It a Day", written with #benburget at #206studios . So good! #whitton #whittonmusic

#BenBurget and I are working on my new track, "Show Me" at #206Studios . I can't wait for this track to be finished. It's taken a long while, but it's worth the wait 😍 #Whitton

San Diego Show Canceled!

Hey everyone! I hate to announce that my show at Frauds and Swindlers this Saturday evening is CANCELED unfortunately!!! Stay tuned for a future performance soon!#FraudsandSwindlers #Gaslamp #SanDiego #Whitton

House Concert w/Jason Webley, Steve Thoreson, Sarah Schmidt and me tomorrow!!!

TOMORROW w/ Sarah Schmidt, Steve Thoreson and Jason Webley @ a private house concert in EVERETT at 7pm! Wine, cheese and sunset at 5:30pm. Here's your last chance to purchase tickets for this sweet show. Ticket sales cut off today at 5. TICKET: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/320028! This will be my last NW show of my tour. :)

I LOVE SEATTLE! Tickets are still available for my appearance tomorrow Thursday, Feb. 14th - Andre Feriante's "Words of Love" 15th Annual Valentine's Day @ Benaroya Hall • 8pm • 200 University St., Seattle, WA • Sharing the stage Andre Feriante, Steve Thoreson, Ben Burget, Jason Everett, Stella Rossi and Overton Berry. Tickets @ : http://www.seattlesymphony.org/symphony/buy/single/reserve.aspx?id=13561&src=t

Valentine's Day Shows in OR & WA!

Hi Everyone!! Hope this message finds you well. I'd love to invite you and/or any friends you may know in the northwest areas to our very special variety Valentine's Day shows coming up in PORTLAND, OR on Feb., 12th and in SEATTLE, WA on Feb. 14th. You can't miss this! Details below: Tuesday, Feb. 12th - "Ethos of Eros" @ The Old Church • 7pm • 1422 Southwest 11th Avenue • Portland, OR 97201 • Alexandra Underhill will be hosting this show with acts: Andre Feriante, Steve Thoreson, Edna Vazquez, Whitton, Ben Burget, Ashlea Stinnett, Adrianna Locke and Anna Hoone. PRE-SALE TICKETS @ $13. $15 at the door. Thursday, Feb. 14th - Andre Feriante's "Words of Love" 15th Annual Valentine's Day @ Benaroya Hall • 8pm • 200 University St., Seattle, WA • Sharing the stage Andre Feriante, Steve Thoreson, Whitton, Ben Burget, Jason Everett and Overton Berry. Performance in the Nordstrom Recital Hall. TICKETS and INVITE: http://ja7540.wix.com/andreinvitation

Hope you can make it out! These are two shows I promise you won't forget!!

~Whitton

Happy Holidays from Whitton! Xmas Single & Card Deck!

Happy Holidays Everyone! Check out my new holiday single/video called, "It's Christmas Time"! Super fun to sing with my siblings Stacey, Jonny and David!!! Spectacular band Ben Burget, Adam Alesi, Cooper Appelt and Matt Hornbeck. And special thanks to Sean P Jones, Michael James and David Donnelly! =) 

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YofcjyyH5x4

CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?AlbumID=whitton4 

Also, I have a holiday gift package for you which consists of a download of "It's Christmas Time" and a custom self portrait card deck!! Come on... what would you expect from a gal from "The Biggest Little City in the World" (RENO that is) haha =).

Click here to purchase: http://www.whittonmusic.com/#!store

My special cards wouldn't be as cool as they are if I didn't have a little help from my friends. =) Special thanks to: Reggie Ige, Myra Penate, Ben Burget, Michael Whitton, Buck A E Down, Jennifer McIntosh, Andrew Scott Waage and Kevin Kevissimo Rolly! Oh and Whitton De Fleur of course!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!! I hope this coming new year is full of love, laughter and success! Cheers to you!!

~ Whitton