Ken Lewis

'Real Strings Vol 5: Uplifting Cinematic' features uplifting Cinematic arrangements capable of adding drama and suspense into any musical production. These authentic string samples by Organic Loops were recorded in Pete Whitfield's studio, where he regularly records real strings for major labels, TV companies and radio/media companies.

Organic Loops is proud to release Broken Chords from Real Strings, a loops library of violins, performing the distinctive texture of rolling arpeggios. These loops will give character and movement to all styles of music.

"All the Man You Need" was hailed as Will Downing's return to R&B music. Though after a listen, there isn't a huge difference between this album and his R&B/smooth jazz-oriented recordings of the mid- to late '90s; which isn't a bad thing. Though the beats may hit a little harder and there's more adherence to R&B ballad song structure, the focus is still on Downing's warm baritone vocals, soothing production, and good songs. The singer makes fine use of a soaring sample from Noel Pointer's cover of Stevie Wonder's "Superwoman" on the breezy "Share My World." Other highlights are "Real Soon," the Downing/Chante Moore duet "When You Need Me," the snappy, ultra jazzy "Tired Melody," a string-laced cover of Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands," and the smooth, skirting title track. Fans of Will Downing and adult-oriented R&B music will be thoroughly pleased.

3CD anthology of recordings from British harmony pop maestro John Carter and friends under their flower-power era guise The Flower Pot Men. Includes Summer of Love hit 'Let's Go To San Francisco', further 45s (some using alternative period aliases), two unreleased-at-the-time concept albums and several tracks now gaining their first-ever issue. Inspired equally by the Haight-Ashbury scene, the worldwide Summer of Love and Brian Wilson's recent groundbreaking work, in mid-1967 former Ivy Leaguers John Carter and Ken Lewis pieced together the hugely ambitious, six-minute 'Let's Go To San Francisco'.

In 1975, the New York City alto saxophonist Alan Braufman released his debut album, Valley of Search on the India Navigation label. Recorded at the now legendary 501 Canal St. loft, the album was heralded by Village Voice jazz critic Gray Giddins, who wrote, "These are the musicians who are taking the chances today and their gifts and commitment ought to be attended." Braufman went on to record and tour with everyone from Carla Bley to The Psychedelic Furs, and didn't release another album under his name until 2020's The Fire Still Burns. Fire featured Braufman's longtime collaborator, Cooper-Moore, and a then up-and-coming James Brandon Lewis, and received rave reviews from The WIRE, Downbeat, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, NPR, and many others.

In 1975, the New York City alto saxophonist Alan Braufman released his debut album, Valley of Search on the India Navigation label. Recorded at the now legendary 501 Canal St. loft, the album was heralded by Village Voice jazz critic Gray Giddins, who wrote, "These are the musicians who are taking the chances today and their gifts and commitment ought to be attended." Braufman went on to record and tour with everyone from Carla Bley to The Psychedelic Furs, and didn't release another album under his name until 2020's The Fire Still Burns. Fire featured Braufman's longtime collaborator, Cooper-Moore, and a then up-and-coming James Brandon Lewis, and received rave reviews from The WIRE, Downbeat, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, NPR, and many others.

In hindsight, Alan Braufman's presence in New York's 1970s avant garde jazz community gives the appearance of a high profile. He played saxophone and flute on albums by Richard Landry, Cecil McBee, and Carla Bley. His only album as leader, until recently, was 1975's Valley of Search—released on India Navigations in the same era as classics by the Revolutionary Ensemble, Hamiet Bluiett, David Murray, Pharoah Sanders, and Arthur Blythe. Braufman's loft on Canal Street, and the pioneering music that emerged from it, received a positive Village Voice write-up from Gary Giddins in 1974.