The CD is co-produced and written by wunderkind Quentin Moore of Dallas, Texas, and exhibits a style that infuses Smooth Jazz and “Southern Soul”. Walker (b. Newport, Arkansas - November 19, 1959), began as a Blues guitarist influenced by the legendary B.B. King. In the year 2000, Michael became leader of the cover band “Chill Factor”of Dallas, Texas. After 12 years with the group, he turned his interests towards Smooth Jazz leaving the band to create the “A Smoother You” project. After sending a few tracks to Producer/Guitarist Paul Brown (who gave his blessing), Michael forged ahead with his project and was signed by Spectra Jazz Records. In addition to his guitar skills, Michael enlists Drummer Kenny Washington II, Quentin Moore (Keyboards, Wah Wah guitar, Bass & Vocals), John Robinson (Bass), Vandell Andrew (Alto Sax), Dunye Nasuhoglu (Congas, Percussion), Karen Bernod (Chaka Khan and Erykah Badu) (Vocals) and Spectra Jazz artist Earl “Tee” Harris of the group“3rd Scenario” (Vocals). The album was released on December 11, 2012 on iTunes and Amazon, and a physical CD release planned for Spring of 2013.
The Aruán Ortiz & Michael Janisch Quintet is a new international musical collaboration of the highest order. Both leaders have performed at the forefront of contemporary jazz during the last decade with some of the world's greatest artists, such as Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Wallace Roney, Don Byron and Terry Lyne Carrington. For their new quintet, Ortiz and Janisch have assembled one of the most exciting casts of recent years, calling on one of the world's most prominent and pioneering artists, saxophonist and featured special guest, Greg Osby, first-call NYC drummer Rudy Royston and perennial award-winning Spanish trumpeter Raynald Colom (Perico Sambeat, Robin Eubanks). 'Banned in London,' the group's debut captures the onslaught of soundscapes, moods, and explorations, which will prove that this is a potent mixture of world class improvising musicians with a sincere empathy for creating improvised music of the now.
Covering a wide variety of genres and multiple styles, guitarist Rodrigo Cotelo hass been performing professionally for over 20 years. Not necessarily a virtuoso but with a refined taste and tone, he embraces musicality with unparalleled ease and sensitivity. Raised in Maldonado, Uruguay, Cotelo was always in contact with music during his childhood as he was born son of a drummer and a dance teacher. He started to study music (Keyboards and Piano) at age 7 and then continued his development at Schubert Conservatory until he was 15 when his interest in guitar was discovered. His first solo album “Vieja Mochila” (Old Backpack) was released in 2001. Over the years he has produced and recorded for Uruguayan artists such as: Abel Garcia, Walter Cambon, Electric Kool-Aid, Monalisa, Jardin Primitivo, Musiclú and Aida Martinez among others.