Hammond B3 Legend Novello Redefines the Groove in B3 Soul
with Multi-Platinum Songwriter / Producer Andy Goldmark
Press Release by:
Cheryl Hughey
Press Release
Contact: Cheryl Hughey PRomotions - 314-660-1755/
cherylhughey@charter.net
Hammond B3 Legend Novello Redefines the Groove in B3 Soul
with Multi-Platinum Songwriter/Producer Andy Goldmark
Moorestown, NJ/February 29, 2009
Legendary Niacin band member and Hammond B3 player Novello joined forces with nuGroove Records for the release of
B3 Soul in conjunction with the NoGo label.
B3 Soul is co-produced by the multiplatinum songwriter/producer Andy Goldmark. The first single to be released to radio in March 2009 is "Feelin' the Beat."
More about Novello:
If fences were responsible for the demise of the old West, some might say that genre categories did the same thing to modern music. In order to release a new CD to the market, it has to be labeled by style. However, sometimes you meet an artist that defies this logic and reasoning. As the fuses of your mind are blown, the music takes you to another place and you’re forced to reconcile the very existence of everything you know. Such is the story of Hammond B3 player John Novello.
It would be an injustice to John Novello to try and compress a biography of his creative travels into just one page. Fans in fusion circles will be aware of his huge body of work with Niacin. Made up of Novello, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Dennis Chambers, Niacin is a trio that has remained a defining figure in progressive jazz rock. Originally on Chick Corea’s Stretch label in the 90s, Niacin’s experiential influence on modern musicianship can be compared to the shock wave created by Herbie Hancock in the 70s with sonic surrealism.
After years of working on various projects as both a musician and educator (including the widely recognized and utilized textbook collection published by Hal Leonard entitled
The Contemporary Keyboardist), the story of the man, the music and the groove has come full circle with his latest solo release,
B3 Soul . Released on the NuGroove/NoGo label, the music of
B3 Soul infuses old-school jazz with hip hop into a mix unlike anything smooth soul jazz listeners have heard before. However, fans that have witnessed the progression of Novello’s music will understand that
B3 Soul is indeed a “return home” for this musician that was nursed on blues and soul jazz.
The pocket vibe synonymous with Niacin reigns supreme with the funkadelic compositions of
B3 Soul . “
B3 Soul is the impetus of Niacin. Niacin was a morph from my roots,” explained Novello, “I’ve played lots of music and important projects and what is important to me is my roots. This project is me returning back to those roots. Besides, I love playing ‘feel good’ music which touches the listener's soul," said Novello.
Novello didn’t set out to purposefully create a soul jazz sound with
B3 Soul . It was his work with his friend and multi-platinum songwriter/producer Andy Goldmark that gave birth to the funky vibes on the tracks. Novello recorded the arrangements for the twelve originals and three covers, including a special guest appearance by Eric Marienthal on “Apologize” and Bill Sharpe on bass in “Feelin’ the Beat.” Then, Goldmark enhanced the mood and arangements by layering in segments like Jevon McGlory’s rap to “The Message 2008.” (Goldmark has worked with artists such as Al Green, Elton John, Patti LaBelle, Pointer Sisters, and Carly Simon to name a few.)
Although a consummate and prolific artist always experimenting with new musical ideas, Novello is inspired by his new collaboration with Andy Goldmark and is looking forward to promoting his new CD,
B3 Soul , and bringing its groove to his fans! The release of
B3 Soul marks yet another chapter in the life of this extraordinary musician. Novello looks forward to touring
B3 Soul with an all-star band.
For interviews or reviews, please contact Cheryl Hughey Promotions: 314-660-1755 or cherylhughey@charter.net
I've always wanted to start a groove project such as this. I've been in many bands and have had many projects such as Niacin and The John Novello Band etc that simply burn! Don't get me wrong... I love burning or I wouldn't be doing it but a long time ago I was bitten by the "pocket groove" bug! Let me explain:
It all comes down for me to the expression "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!" Translation: Music in the end is all about the pocket - the groove, the rhythmic flow that captures our souls, gives them a spiritual shower and transports them out of the normal time zone of the physical universe and it's trials and tribulations to the universe of no time and problems - the thought or spirit universe where our souls come from - our Home Universe!
While I was growing up and a student of music which I'll always be, I noticed that certain bands and performers and/or certain songs increased my over all well being - my frequency of vibration. Initially I couldn't figure out why that was. Eventually I had the revelation that it was the almighty groove, the rhythm of life itself. I began taking notice of those bands and performers who did this and sought this with a passion - first for selfish reasons as it made me feel good but then... for more altruistic reasons! At that moment, in hindsight, I finally became a musician! The word music is derived from the Greek mousike meaning any art presided over by the Muses - any of the nine sister goddesses in Greek mythology.
Yes true.... music by definition is "the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity" but I observed that the most basic response to music by most everybody was it's rhythmic element first and foremost! If that was missing, it's simply hard to go any further. True enough... great musical art consists of melody, harmony and rhythm performed with passion and competency but rhythm holds first place in my opinion as the basic expressive factor.
I noticed in fact that all great musicians, athletes, actors, public speakers etc had a fundamental rhythm which made for an inspirational and effortless performance. So over the years this was always something I sought after in others and to improve in my own writing and performances. The latest manifestation of this is "B3 Soul" humbly intended to make your life groove just a little bit more!
John Novello
Be sure to visit:
