Jazz Guitarist Randy Napoleon Unites Top Artists for New Release

Press release
Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Fresh from international tours with Grammy-nominated vocalist Michael Bublé, acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon releases Between Friends, a new CD from Azica. The album, a mix of original tunes and jazz standards, features Benny Green (piano), David Wong (bass), and Napoleon's ongoing trio with Quincy Davis (drums) and Jared Gold (Hammond B3 organ).

"The musicians on this record are some of my favorite players and people," said Napoleon. "This is music I made with my friends for others to enjoy with theirs."

Tracks range from dramatic to tender. A forward-thinking musician with a passion for the jazz guitar tradition, Napoleon features original tunes and creative interpretations of jazz standards, among them "These Foolish Things", the classic ballad popularized by Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, and a cheerful rendition of "You're My Everything". “I feel it’s important to go beyond the darker colors of the emotional spectrum and include songs that make you smile,” said Napoleon.

Described by Michael Bublé as "the most exciting guitarist of our generation," Napoleon is both an innovative leader and a sought-after sideman, appearing with jazz greats such as Freddy Cole and Rodney Whitaker and touring with the award-winning Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and with Benny Green, whose sparkling solos are among this album’s highlights.

Napoleon has performed in venues that include the Kennedy Center, the Royal Albert, the Sydney Opera House, and Lincoln Center. Along with appearances on numerous television programs, including The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Regis & Kelly, Today and PBS’s Great Performances, these performances have exposed audiences everywhere to what Detroit Free Press critic Mark Stryker called Napoleon’s “melodic solos flushed with a glowing tone, uncluttered swing and confident command of the mainstream-modern tradition.”

For more information about the recording and about Randy Napoleon, please visit www.randynapoleon.com.

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