Tag Archives: jazz

#330 – Rebecca Angel – What We Had

Jonah Miles Prendergast: Credit

Sultry New York singer Rebecca Angel recently graduated from Ithica College with a degree in voice and now she’s just issued her debut EP called What We Had. The album was produced by renowned jazz keyboardist Jason Miles, who’s worked with Miles Davis, Whitney Houston and many others. She’s also collaborated with this project with her dad, trumpet player Dennis Angel.

Rebecca talks about finding a style all her own, and giving an electronic twist to the soul classic, “Stand By Me.”

#288 – Dennis Coffey – Hot Coffey in the D

Legendary Motown Guitarist Talks New Archival Jazz Funk Release

Dennis Coffey is truly one of the unsung heroes of the guitar.  In the late Sixties, he became a member of the famed “Funk Brothers” – the backing musicians that played on all the Motown hit singles.  His unique style can be heard on “Ball of Confusion” by the Temptations, “War” by Edwin Starr, and  “Someday We’ll Be Together” by the Supremes,  just to name a few. He also had a solo career, scoring the million-selling instrumental “Scorpio” in 1971.

Resonance Records, usually known for their excellent jazz releases, has just issued “Hot Coffey in the D: Burnin’ at Morey Baker’s Showplace Lounge,” a previously-unheard live album from 1968, featuring Coffey, plus Lyman Woodard on organ and Melvin Davis on drums.

We talk why it took so long for this fantastic recording to see a proper release.  Plus, he tells us how he first got involved with Motown Records, and how he helped discover the enigmatic singer, Rodriguez.

#199 – David Lanz – Movements of the Heart

Platinum-selling pianist David Lanz returns to Icon Fetch with his first new album of original material in five years called Movements of the Heart (amazon link).  Inspired by a new love in his life, the record features some of the most passionate music Lanz has ever laid to tape.  We discuss how immersing himself in music of the past, specifically the Beatles, had an impact on his current compositions, and how he tuned his piano differently, and the positive effect that had on his songs.

#195 – Jessy J – Second Chances


Jessy J has been named the Hottest Rising Star in Smooth Jazz, scored several #1 singles in the genre, and had a chance to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the business.  Her latest CD is called Second Chances. Icon Fetch talks with the sexy multi-instrumentalist about the number “2” re-occurring in the songs on her album, what made her choose the saxophone all those years ago, and a recent recording session she had with legendary rockers Aerosmith.

#188 – Larry Carlton – With Robben Ford Unplugged

Larry Carlton is one of the most recorded guitarists in all of popular music, playing on over 100 gold albums, including Joni Mitchell’s Court & Spark, Steely Dan’s the Royal Scam, and Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall.  He won one of his four Grammy’s for the theme to “Hill Street Blues” in 1981, with Mike Post.  Over the last few decades, he’s concentrated more on his solo career – yet his latest offering is a collaboration with his good friend, another great guitarist, Robben Ford.

The new album & DVD is Larry Carlton & Robben Ford Unplugged.  Recorded in Paris, the eight song set offers new twists on classics from both artists, as well as a few surprises.  We talk to the multi-faceted guitarist about his relationship with Ford, recording with Steely Dan, and why he chose the Gibson E-335 as his “go to” guitar.

#105 – Michael Franks – Time Together

Michael Franks - Time Together

As a teen, he hitchkiked across Europe, at one point ending up at a party at Bridgette Bardot’s house

Songwriter Michael Franks has just released his 18th studio album, Time Together, a delectable blend of gentle melodies and clever wordplay – both signatures of Franks’ almost 40-year career.  Icon Fetch talks to the jazz singer about the long, five-year gap between recordings, reuniting with some old friends, and Hearts United for Animals, a charity he supports.

#104 – Davina Sowers – Black Cloud

Davina Sowers of Davina & the Vagabonds - Black Cloud
Led by a versatile singer/songwriter, this band injects some fresh life into some vintage music

Davina & the Vagabonds, featuring the sassy vocals of pianist Davina Sowers and a brash frontline horn section, recall the jazz and blues of turn-of-the-century New Orleans.  But, underneath that brazen outer shell is a technically savvy band with an extraordinary songwriter.  Their brand new CD, Black Cloud, features 13 tracks all penned by Sowers – ranging from the down-in-the-dumps title track to the surprisingly cheerful “Pocket”.  Icon Fetch talks to the band’s front woman about her writing process, reaching the finals of an international songwriting contest, and the origins of her “old school” roots.