Ropeadope Vinyl, CD & Tape 28 Items

Aaron Parks' "Little Big", the new Ropeadope album from the acclaimed pianist, keyboardist and composer, is at once the culmination of his brilliant early career and the long-awaited follow-up to his Blue Note Records debut, Invisible Cinema. That 2008 release, with its gorgeously melodic writing and improvising and deft use of indie-rock, electronica and hip-hop elements, established Parks as one of the most gifted and original young voices in jazz. “This is the natural successor to that record,” says the New York-based artist, 34. “It’s taking the ideas of that project and doubling down on them—fully committing to that direction.”

DJ Harrison's first full collection of tapes from 2014 - the first release on RVA's Jellowstone Records via Ropeadope, available on vinyl for the very first time. Nods to his heroes abound, but the sound is distinctly Devonne Harris.

The Emancipation Procrastination is a studio album by American jazz trumpeter Christian Scott released by Ropeadope Records. The album is the third and final installment of The Centennial Trilogy, with Ruler Rebel and Diaspora being the first and the second respectively.

Eddie Palmieri, at 83 years of age, is performing and producing his best work. Mi Luz Mayor is his second salsa release of 2018, and is a tribute to his late wife, Iraida. (The selections are all songs that she enjoyed). In addition to the usual all star cast of players, Mi Luz Mayor features the great Gilberto Santa Rosa, Herman Olivera, and none other than Carlos Santana. The CD include a 12 page booklet with liner notes and credits in English and Spanish. This work is dedicated to Iraida, my late wife, the love of my life. Here I present to you the music that Iraida and I enjoyed in our youth. I would play this music in our home often, during the Holidays and on special occasions. We would dance to this music, but there were also times where the music spoke for us. Music was the constant force that touched our hearts and would heal any wounds that life sent our way. Ultimately, these songs represent our love story. Selecting each composition and writing new music helped me work through my grief after she passed away in 2014. Because this music is in her honor, everything from start to finish had to be of the highest caliber and I am proud to say that it is just that. If Iraida were here today, I know she would want you to know that life wasn’t always easy. She worked tirelessly and selflessly for the needs of our family - there truly wasn’t anything she didn’t do or wouldn’t have done for us. The career trajectory of a musician is difficult at best and like anyone in this business, there were many ups and downs. And when I was down, she always had an unrelenting drive to see me through my darkest days. I, in turn, did the best I could to be there during hers. She was my anchor, my one foot in reality. She kept me grounded and helped keep me on the right path in hopes that I would reach my highest potential. She was my life. And I was hers. Reliving this music allows me to sit again in her presence, to visit memories of our time together. I share this with you now and hope you will feel a connection to her, to another era and to me. I would also like to acknowledge of the profound respect, admiration and impact both Rene Hernández and Ray Santos have had on my musical life. Their arranging skills show careful study and the diligence I endeavor to carry over into my own arrangements. It is the platform from which I rarely move, where the historical integrity of the Cuban structures are preserved and expounded upon – that is the excitement that drives my creative process. I am also grateful for the contributions and arranging talent of Jose Madera – I truly believe he is an inspiration to the next generation of arrangers. As for the musicians…I am surrounded by Chiefs, each a master of their own instrument. I am incredibly grateful to all the musicians that are on this recording and of course, the special guests, Mr. Carlos Santana, Mr. Gilberto Santa Rosa and “La Voz del Caribe,” Herman Olivera. And a heartfelt thank you to Brian Lynch for the coda input on the new arrangement of Mi Congo. These gentlemen know they all live in my heart and pay no rent. My motto for this CD is “Cuidado!” Eddie Palmieri Written in collaboration with Ileana Palmieri-Campos

A simple search on the internet for Russell Gunn will yield little result, an unusual occurrence in these days of ubiquitous information. And this is a clue into the man; soft spoken, laid back, happy to reside just outside the spotlight as he immerses himself in a wide variety of musical projects. Russell Gunn was raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. The relative distance of the city from other scenes meant that Russell was exposed to new music only when a scene gained national exposure. This broad input informed his playing and composing, and led to his understanding of the full context of a genre. He holds the tradition and an understanding of history in high regard, and counts himself as fortunate to grow up in a time when he could learn from the greats. ‘If you don’t wanna learn Charlie Parker’s language, that’s your business. But you’re missing a foundation piece – it’s like building a house starting on the second floor. It’s all about language, and if don’t have a grasp of the language you are limiting yourself’ Russell Gunn’s schedule speaks of the breadth of his interest – recently he completed a residency at Columbia College in Chicago, spending time teaching, performing, and consulting with students. Then it was off to Belgium to produce an album, then out on the road with Marcus Miller. His credits speak of the same breadth, recording or touring with the likes of Maxwell, Lou Reed, Cee Lo and many more. Russell Gunn’s new project is The Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra. A big band based in his current home of Atlanta Georgia, RKJO is a natural mashup of the traditional Jazz Big Band, with Rhythm & Blues and Southern Hip-Hop sensibility. The band played live weekly for over a year, with Gunn providing the vision and inspiration for the band to embrace and follow willingly. Once the natural language was fully mature, they headed into the studio to record Get It How You Live, their debut album set for release in summer 2018. ‘Get It How You Live is about explaining yourself in an honest way – when you open your mouth it has to be genuine’ The album is big, with all the swagger and power that you’d expect. It leads off with a speaker introducing the band and setting the stage, and once you’re in your chair you have to jump up as the horn section sets the groove with Theo Croker in the front. But that’s just the start – concise and delicate moments are interspersed with guest vocalists Dionne Farris and Dashill Smith. Get It How You Live is easy to listen to, and each time it reveals yet another level of craft – truly a reflection of Russell Gunn’s intent.

‘’ORIGINS” is a fusion album from the roots and elements of flamenco (bulerías, soleáres), afro-cuban (guaguancó and rumba) and american jazz form. The work is also an exploration of the musical origins of this international pianist who has traveled the world and explored the roots of afro-cuban music and jazz from a flamenco perspective. African music and its tradition on percussion are the key of most of the world folkloric rhythms and syncopated accents. During colonial times, Africans were exported as slaves to many geographies, and in the process, their cultural and religious believes as well as their rhythmic patterns landed in the Caribbean, North America and Spain. Consequently, it’s not a coincidence that the magic resemblance of the ‘’3+2’’ rhythmical patterns from Africa is implicit in the most traditional expressions of flamenco, rumba and jazz. The mystery of the clave can be found in Spanish flamenco palos like seguiriya, bulería or soleá. These rhythms are unique and specific expressions from a region where a unique melting pot of sounds and cultures (Jewish, Moorish, and Gypsy) co-existed for centuries. The rhythmic elements of North Africa collided with Eastern melodies and European harmonies, creating unique combinations of ‘’3 plus 2’’ on the rhythmical cells, clapping and footwork spread on the twelve-beats patterns. Alex Conde blends all these ingredients in compositions like “Bulerijazz”, a piece that combines the sounds, rhythms and flavors of a bulería de Jerez with a touch of the Jazz Messengers three-horns sounds in Caravan, bridging Jerez and New York City in one go. He also shows his colors on “Upper West Side”, a Tango flamenco (not to be confused with the Argentinian tango) that is not too fast, not too slow, and that merges the flavor of Latin-jazz trumpet solo improvisation with a traditional compás reminiscent of Granada.

In an era where people eschew tangibility for technology, Butcher Brown is a ray of hope for the future. They are soldiers of peace, armed with respect for the lineage of Black music, who aren't afraid to push forward. Rooted in the soil of the earth, their music reflects an aesthetic that exists beyond chronology. As anomalous as brown leaves of fall on a spring tree, they cause you to question exactly how a group of relatively “young” men possess such “old” souls. They are agents of a continuum. A spectrum of color that defies categorical constructs, like that of dusk settling across the evening sky. They are a subtle, yet beautiful, reminder that after the darkness of nightfall, we are soon to expect the promise of the sun.

The Gritz Band is more of an eclectic super-group than your average hip-hop band. Known by some as Erykah Badu’s band. Founded by band leader RC WIlliams in 2004, the group is made up of a diverse mix of musicians from across Texas and whose repertoire includes, R&B, HipHop, and Soul Music.

Philty is a 14-piece Los Angeles based band has been playing epic shows all over the West Coast with the likes of Jammcard, The Nth Power and more. This party is just getting started!

"Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Trumpet, Sirenette and Reverse Flugelhorn Elena Pinderhughes - Flute Braxton Cook - Alto, Straight Alto Corey King - Trombone Cliff Hines - Guitar Lawrence Fields – Piano, Fender Rhodes Kris Funn – Bass Corey Fonville ‒ Drums, SPD-SX pad (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10) Joe Dyson Jr. - Pan African Drums, SPD-SX (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) Special Guests: Matthew Stevens - Guitar (tracks 4, 5, 7, 10) Warren Wolf - Vibes (tracks 3, 7)"

"Equal parts jazz club, dance party and live remix experiment, Church is a musical journey of no boundaries and endless surprises. Globetrotting musician/producer Mark de Clive-Lowe leads live sets interpolating jazz, improv, organics, technology, beats and dancefloor electronica into a melting pot of sounds and styles unlike any other. Joined by a stellar cast of musicians, vocalists, DJs and spontaneous guests from LA and beyond, each and every show is a totally unique and individual musiclover’s experience...Church is MdCL’s resident clubnite in Los Angeles and New York. Blending the jazz tradition with forward thinking hip hop, breaks, bass and club music, Church is MdCL’s vehicle to share his musical vision with musician and audiences worldwide. With a constantly rotating cast of resident and guest musicians and vocalists, Church represents the new school jazz movement – paying homage to the past while asserting itself forward in step with global club and beat culture."

"This album reflects the rawness and passion of a sound I like to call "Neo or New Blues" Neo Blues Project incorporates Rock, R&B, and soulful melodies from the past with a glimpse into the future, while highlighting the stories of many who still walk, sleep and live the Blues today. I strived to keep every note, from my voice to the guitar as authentic as possible. Approaching every song with honesty and conviction. For this EP, the sounds you will hear include those of my roots, mixed with the influence of modern music-- and the different voicings that the slide guitar can produce--from singing guitar solos to rhythmic patterns. I can’t wait to share this with you." - AJ Ghent

The first single, “Breathless,” is a stunning track that expresses their love – for each other, for music, and for the divine. Simple, universal lyrics of love. Kizzie sings the hook over her own recorded harmonies. Adam beatboxes while handling the keys, with some freestyle in the bridge. And that is just the beginning – from start to finish Book Of EEDO Vol. 3 is a journey through their world of spontaneous musical expression. Another standout track is “On Behalf Of the Shaniquas,” written as a dedication to the victims of OKC police officer Daniel Holtzclaw, who was sentenced to 263 years for his persistent victimization of black women. “On Behalf Of the Shaniquas” is a poignant statement showing respect for all black women.Book Of EEDO Vol. 3 is that album that will inspire dissection of the style and technique, and inspire imitation and development of new blends of music and methods of recording.

DJ Harrison's first full collection of tapes from 2014 - the first release on RVA's Jellowstone Records via Ropeadope, available on vinyl for the very first time. Nods to his heroes abound, but the sound is distinctly Devonne Harris.

Since moving from Chesapeake, Virginia to New York City in 2001, Nate Smith has helped reinvigorate the international jazz scene with his visceral style of drumming by playing with such esteemed leading lights as bassist Dave Holland, saxophonists Chris Potter and Ravi Coltrane, and singers Patricia Barber, Somi, and José James. The New York Times described Smith as “a firecracker of a drummer.”Smith’s rising career reaches a new benchmark with the release of his bandleader debut, KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere, on which he fuses his original modern jazz compositions with R&B, pop, and hip-hop. The disc shows Smith leading a scintillating core ensemble, consisting of pianist and keyboardist Kris Bowers, guitarist Jeremy Most, alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, electric bassist Fima Ephron, and singer and lyricist Amma Whatt, and Michael Mayo on backing vocals. The lineup expands on several cuts with the inclusion of Potter and Holland along with other illustrious guests – guitarists Lionel Loueke and Adam Rogers, and singer Gretchen Parlato.As the title KINFOLK suggests, the music bristles with a magnetism that can be only achieved by assembling the right musicians, building upon and blending their individual voices and developing a bracing group rapport. Indeed, Smith refers to the aforementioned musicians as “kindred spirits,” while embracing some philosophies gleaned from his mentor, Holland. “Dave once told me, ‘I really believe that musicians find each other,’” Smith recalls. “He feels that all the collaborations he’s done and all the sidemen that he’s hired came into his life on purpose, even though he might not have been looking for something specific. He discovers people along the way.

10 time Grammy winner, legendary Latin Jazz musician, special guests Donald Harrison Jr, Joe Locke, Bernard Purdie, and more.Eddie Palmieri’s influence on the world of modern music is often celebrated, but just as often underestimated. As he completes his 80th year with us, his energy and commitment seem to be increasing, as if to fully emphasize the power of not just the music but also the cross-cultural importance of the process. With no sign of slowing, Mr. Palmieri is the elder of a global culture of musicians, actively teaching young students and leading the way for the next generation. And now Mr. Palmieri brings to the world his first project since his back to back Grammy wins in 2005/2006 - SABIDURÍA. Sabiduría is the Spanish word for WISDOM, and the message is clear from the outset that wisdom is the exalted value that should guide us all. His intent with Sabidurí a, as it has been with all of his recordings, is to create art that will be analyzed and understood well beyond his time.

Concord Records Recording Artist, Logan Richardson, is a native son of Kansas City, Missouri born, and raised (b1980), Logan Richardson is considered by top critics as a breath of fresh air for the future of music. A young star pushing the boundaries of modern improvised music, carrying the torch of vitality for improvised music as a premier alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator.Blues People was created in the oral tradition of the blues, and improvised music as a whole. The viscous entirety of the 14 song repertoire was relayed all by ear during the process of the documentation of the album. Blues People, is a modern day version of the Kansas City Blues, Black American Music, and Rock & Roll tradition. In being such, consequently this documentation is an accumulation of experiences, and influences that have given way to a fresh sonic fusion of sound that calls on the genetic DNA of the forefathers of modern popular music.

Call it rock, call it alt-country, call it the blues, or call it pop - an important element of this music is its self-reflection. While the songs transform the human condition to a positive assimilation of sounds, the lyrics speak of real life and feelings with a certain lament about the destiny of it all. This is the challenge that Great Peacock accepts with songs like ‘Begging To Stay’ and ‘Hideaway’. You will hear fragments of reference for a moment, from Dispatch to Ryan Adams, but the sound always comes right back to being distinctly Great Peacock. And so we present Gran Pavo Real, the next album from Great Peacock.

For the first time on vinyl, the historic 1969 Preservation Hall recording of Sister Gertrude Morgan “Let's Make a Record” paired with its 2004 re-imagining “King Britt Presents Sister Gertrude Morgan”Triple gatefold, double LP features both original album covers and art from Sister Gertrude Morgan.

10 time Grammy winner, legendary Latin Jazz musician, special guests Donald Harrison Jr, Joe Locke, Bernard Purdie, and more.Eddie Palmieri’s influence on the world of modern music is often celebrated, but just as often underestimated. As he completes his 80th year with us, his energy and commitment seem to be increasing, as if to fully emphasize the power of not just the music but also the cross-cultural importance of the process. With no sign of slowing, Mr. Palmieri is the elder of a global culture of musicians, actively teaching young students and leading the way for the next generation. And now Mr. Palmieri brings to the world his first project since his back to back Grammy wins in 2005/2006 - SABIDURÍA. Sabiduría is the Spanish word for WISDOM, and the message is clear from the outset that wisdom is the exalted value that should guide us all. His intent with Sabidurí a, as it has been with all of his recordings, is to create art that will be analyzed and understood well beyond his time.

HUW is multi-instrumentalist and producer Aaron Dolton. His brother, Mike, is the principal collaborator on the project. Both brothers compose and perform, with Mike holding down the rhythm while Aaron provides the production skills that realize their sound. Their music is a downtempo blend of electronica, jazz and soul.