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NEW RELEASES
NEW RELEASES
Mike Armando
The Countdown
Mike Armando
Funk A Lunk
In The Moment
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Mike Armando - guitar
Boris Kurganov - sax & piano
John Lockwood - bass
Ra-Kalam Bob Moses - drums
by . David J. Sullivan: Audio engineer
Review by Muse, Anastasia K
“Rainbow Sunset” – This is a very adventurous tune. I mean, as calm and smooth as “Roll Over” is, this one has so many twists and turns, it’s a musical rainbow. (Note the title, once again!) Love the many “voices” of the instruments, the tempo change near the end, bringing the sunset to its denouement.
To me, it sounds like these guys are not only enjoying themselves, but they surely know what they’re doing. And they feel the music, so it’s no surprise that you will feel this too! I think there is so much more to be discovered by listening to an entire album. Yes, we’re buying individual tracks these days, but I think that we’re depriving ourselves of the full listening experience. Though you can get a good sampling of Mike Armando’s “The Count Down” from these two great tracks, I am pretty certain the rest of the album is just as enjoyable! Check it out!
Mike Armando - guitar
Andrew Golba - bass
Ra-Kalam Bob Moses - drums
by David J. Sullivan: Audio engineer
Review by Artt Frank - drummer for Chet Baker
The musicians, Mike Armando, guitar, plays the blues as though he was born with them. I like his ideas, his lines, his chord changes and his time. I am also impressed with bassist Andy Golba's bass lines, rhythm and solid time. He doesn't waver and has a big fat sound, which as a long time drummer, is a prime requirement of mine. I've just got to have that strong tone and time behind me, otherwiise, its like trying to cook with cold grease.
As for drummer, Bob Moses...what can I say about him that has not already been said. He's a great drummer and has been around the block. I've always liked Bob's drumming and his ideas. He can play in just about any type of venue and make the music happen, which is precisely what he has done here on this CD. Great job guys.
Past History Jazz Releases
(In our vault not for sale at this time)
History of mja
The History of mja Records can be traced back to 1973 by founder label owner Mike Armando with mja's first release "Half Steppin" featured jazz/blues guitarist Mike Armando. The LP notes were composed by Larry Dinger who was the music director at WOWI Radio in Norfolk VA. The LP was placed in Billboards magazine radio top action picks. Over the years mja Records has put out a number of releases to date, here is a list of some of the artists and side musicians who have been on the mja Records label. Mike Stern, Eddie Gomez, Bob Moses, Harold Danko, Fred Lipsius, Larry Willis, Al Foster, George Mraz, Michael Cochrane, David Alan Gross, Emanuel Moreira, Werner "Vana" Gierig, Artt Frank, Phil Bowler, Ken Barry, Kathy Frank, Pat Morrissey, Joe Cartwright, Steve Rigazzi, Freddie Bryant, Edson Da Silva Cafe', Marcus McLaurine, Chris Clarke, James Ward, Tyrone Clark, Gerald Dunn, Josh Sclar, Tim Perryman, Tommy Stewart, Mike Armando, Warren Wygand, Ira Brandt , Sal Trupia, Andy Golba, Lew Soloff, Alan Rubin, Lou Marini, Jim Pugh, Keith O'Quinn, Will Lee, Kevin Barry, Ben Wittman, Jamshied Sharifi.
New Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RADIO AIRPLAY
Track Title: Funky Blue
Artist: Fred Lipsius
Album: JOY!
Release Date: Out Now
Genre: Jazz-Rock / Fusion / Contemporary Jazz
Radio Promotion By: mja Records
Track Overview
Grammy Award-winner and legendary Blood, Sweat & Tears co-founder Fred Lipsius delivers a masterclass in jazz-rock fusion with his latest single, "Funky Blue," from the acclaimed album JOY!. Driven by an infectious groove and sophisticated arrangements, the track features an elite lineup of iconic musicians:
Fred Lipsius – Alto Saxophone
Will Lee – Electric Bass (The Late Show with David Letterman)
Paul Shaffer – Organ (The Late Show with David Letterman)
Oz Noy – Electric Guitar (Virtuoso Fusion Guitarist)
Ray Levier – Drums (Renowned Fusion/Jazz Drummer)
Artist Biography: Fred Lipsius
Fred Lipsius is a true pioneer of modern American music. As the original saxophonist, arranger, and conductor for the legendary genre-bending band Blood, Sweat & Tears (1967–1971), Lipsius fundamentally reshaped the landscape of popular music. Rock and roll history books explicitly credit him as the very first saxophonist to seamlessly fuse jazz and rock styles within commercial solos.
During his groundbreaking tenure with the group, Lipsius earned nine Gold Records and a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. He took home an individual Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for the monumental hit "Spinning Wheel," a track credited with single- handedly reviving the "Big Band" sound for a global, mainstream audience. Lipsius also arranged the smash single "Hi-De-Ho" and co-arranged the timeless classic "You've Made Me So Very Happy." His virtuosity consistently earned him top-ten placements in the prestigious Downbeat and Playboy jazz polls. Over his storied career, Lipsius has performed alongside an illustrious roster of jazz icons, including:
Thelonious Monk
Cannonball Adderley
Zoot Sims
Eddie Gomez
Al Foster
George Mraz
Larry Willis
Randy Brecker
A highly sought-after sideman and bandleader, Lipsius has performed on and written music for more than 30 albums. In 1982, he served as a featured soloist for Simon & Garfunkel during their historic reunion tours across Europe and Japan.
Beyond the stage, Lipsius is a world-renowned music educator and author. He has published seven definitive instructional books and CDs on jazz improvisation and reading, which are utilized by musicians globally. Born in the Bronx, New York, and an alumnus of Manhattan’s High School of Music & Art and the Berklee School of Music, Lipsius spent 36 years shaping the next generation of musical talent as a full-time professor at the Berklee College of Music before retiring in 2020.
Radio Contact & Service Information
Radio Promotion & Campaign Contact: mja Records
Interview Requests: mjajazz@optonline.net
