SALTMAN/KNOWLES

Saltman Knowles, called “a fine example of all that is good in contemporary jazz,” once again stays true to melody and original composition in their latest release on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, Yesterday’s Man. On the heels of their critically acclaimed fifth CD, Return of the Composer, bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles have produced a sophisticated yet rhythmically driven statement with a fresh point of view that illustrates the importance of combining intricate song craft with introspective emotion. Lori Williams-Chisholm returns to provide what JazzTimes calls “her exquisite wordless vocals” encased in a sultry, smooth sound.

But what makes this release most uniquely distinctive is Victor Provost’s soprano steel pan instrumentation laced throughout the compositions, combining elements of the traditional music of Trinidad with the hardhitting contemporary jazz swing. This amazing combination of jazz and world music textures is thematic, telling a broader story of the beauty of past traditions blending with a conscious, acoustic future. As Saltman Knowles describes, “Yesterday's man dressed well, and was articulate, well-educated, and less medicated. He had sophisticated tastes, integrity, and a much longer attention span, and most of all he listened to good melodic music. Even yesterday’s gangsters pulled their pants up, and took your money— not your life. Yesterday’s man possessed a lot of qualities that today's man should be striving for. Some of those qualities are on this recording.”

New Review: Finding Inspiration In Socially Relevant Events - JazzReview.com

Some clips from the new album:

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For example, take the very first track, “Theme in Search of a Film,” with its Brubeck-reminiscent 5/4 driving pulse surrounded by a singing steel pan and melodic horn arrangement, which is followed by a funky treatment of the second track, “Cry,” with a Caribbean touch highlighted by lively vocal embellishments. Other memorable songs on the disc include the title track, “Yesterday’s Man,” with sensitive and thought-provoking lyrics about a holocaust survivor’s perspective: “Falling footsteps / Follow quickly to a greener place / I'll survive / Just dreams of a yesterday's man.” Drummer Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson exemplifies the kind of versatility and energy that characterizes each composition, complementing the bold bass work of Mark Saltman and the tasty piano comping of William Knowles. Beautiful horn solos and unusual unison combinations of vocals and steel pan are perfectly executed by Doug Pierce (trumpet/flugelhorn), Brian Settles (tenor saxophone), and Antonio Parker (alto saxophone).

Yesterday’s Man brilliantly presents a balanced combination of instrumental and vocal personalities that represent the continued commitment to melody and original composition that began fifteen years ago, when Mark Saltman and William Knowles first met in college. According to Matt Jaworski of MuzicReviews.com, “Saltman Knowles seems to have developed and discovered a fresh and inviting sound. Rhythmic variety, pocket, and interaction are all executed and contained in a manner that allows melody to flow unobtrusively back and forth, cradling listeners’ ears for the long haul.”

In Yesterday’s Man, Saltman Knowles provides something wonderful for today’s music listener.

For more information: http://www.SaltmanKnowles.com

"This is a fine example of all that is good in contemporary jazz and this Washington DC-based band certainly deserves an international hearing."  Bruce Crowther, Author and Jazz Journalist

"This contemporary duo clearly has roots in the jazz mainstream, but with the addition of the talented and vocally acrobatic Lori Williams Chisholm, they create a unique sound." Ralph A. Mirello, Jazz.com

“Pianist William Knowles and bassist Mark Saltman are in top form on “Return Of The Composer." While their music could be considered part of the modern jazz mainstream, it has its unusual and distinctive qualities.  There is much to discover on this memorable outing.” - Scott Yanow, Jazz Journalist and Author of ten jazz books including The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917- 76

"The smiles of almost outrageous joy on the CD cover reflect a genuine condition of being that the music inside actually creates or elicits in the listener. The themes on this possible masterpiece very much cut to the very spiritual heart of not only the new millennium, but the timeless. Such is the jazz CD Return of the Composer by Saltman Knowles."  Dennis Brotz, Blogcritics.com

BUY Return of the Composer by clicking here:

Listen to Saltman Knowles at their website www.saltmanknowles.com

View Saltman/Knowles website here

	(Available at fine stores everywhere January 26, 2010)			Available everywhere now

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