Oran Etkin recently recorded with Lionel Loueke for a broadcast performance/interview on WKCR radio in New York. The show will be aired in the coming weeks (stay tuned for the exact date), and we will have video footage from the session to share with you shortly. In the meantime Oran wanted to share this picture of himself and Lionel from the session. Oran’s album Kelenia is coming out June 9th. More info here

Nuance - The Bennett Studio Sessions featuring RANDY BRECKER, GEORGE MRAZ and ANTHONY PINCIOTTI, is a CD/DVD set, Lynne’s 11th career release and her fourth from Motéma Music. NUANCE goes on sale May 12, 2009 in stores and on line. In a departure from her previous recordings with her long standing trio, leader/composer/arranger Arriale steps out with a powerful new lineup, featuring 6 time Grammy® winner Randy Brecker on trumpet/flugelhorn; the legendary George Mraz on bass; accompanied by the highly accomplished and acclaimed young drummer, Anthony Pinciotti. More info about this release can be found on her Motema artist page.

The EPK below will give you a taste of what this remarkable release is all about.

Oran Etkin at the Afropop 20th Anniversary Gala

Oran Etkin was recently invited to perform at the Afropop 20th Anniversary Gala honoring Anjelique Kidjo and Harry Belafonte upon their induction into the Afropop Hall of Fame. Oran performed with the group Mandingo Ambassadors.

The Afropop Worldwide public radio show has been an early supporter of Oran’s forthcoming Motema release Kelenia, which is slated for release in June. Oran was featured on a recent installment of the show - listen to a clip below:

(L-R): Kobie Watkins, Geof Bradfield, Joe Locke, Ryan Cohan, Lorin Cohen, Rich Breen(engineer)

Motema artist Ryan Cohan is already in the studio working on tracks for his next album, to be released next year. The album will feature his touring quartet in addition to special guests Joe Locke on vibes and Steve Kroon on percussion. Here’s a glimpse into the recent sessions which took place at CRC studios in Chicago.

Ryan Cohan and Lorin Cohen at the mixing console

Ryan Cohan at the piano