Guest appearences from national and international recording artists: world-beat saxophonist / flutist Praful, courtesy of Therapy Records, known for his #1 Smooth Jazz hit "Sigh"; Magrus Borges, drummer for recording artist Bebel Gilberto; firey saxophonist Ed Calle, courtesy Pimienta Records; guitar virtuoso Greg Minnick; Dawn Basham, Robin Avery and more. Few steelpan artists have developed the Nujazz & Chillout genre with this instrumentation wrapping soothing velvet vocals in captivating style.
The compilation captures the "Chill" concept, taking you through several "suites" of music featuring smooth jazz, dance and ambient downtempo genres. The album is produced by Greg Minnick of Levelblu Music Productions and mastered by world-renowned engineer Bob Katz.
Bickley has reached listeners from all over the radio globe who have fallen in love with the smooth, relaxing vibes. “ I have a strong passion for this artists music,it so serene and touching,when feeling so low ”, “ Your songs are amazing...keep going!!!! ”, “ Awesome sounding music that makes the man behind my eyes dance to the beat of the ear drums! ”, “ listening to at work .... nice and upbeat! ”, “
I like the sound ...I feel as tho im cruzin ”, “ Reminds me of Andy Narell Music from Trinidad! ”, “ So refreshing !! ”, “ Makes you think of summertime in the winter! (smile) ”, “ love it..happy smooth rythym. Taste of summer! ”, “ Great Samba Rhythm...makes me think I'm on holiday in the Caribbean ”, “ Lovely! ”, “ Great sound and vibe. Lets hear more of her! I like the jazzy Steel pan! ”
"I was inspired to write these smooth jazz and chillout songs because I knew that the steel pan had more to say than just island and caribbean notes", says Bickley. "I felt the instrument's acceptance as a solo instrument had begun, but needed to be challenged and enhanced in other genres of music. Some very well-known steel pan artists have done this in recent years, but I don't think the fans have completed crossed over yet. In addition, more and more smooth jazz musicians, particularly female artists, have been moving up this trend and it's really exciting times for us all. Music can truly be a universal language appreciated by the entire world now."
One of Bickley's pre-release singles from the album, "Groovin' In Rio", was featured regularly on CBS's WRCH 100.5FM radio in Southern New England during the summer of 2009 and continues to be part of the Smooth Jazz and HD playlist.
Ms. Rivera began her recording career in 1985 and branched into the Latin and Caribbean genre when she and her husband, Nelson, formed the group "Cuba Libre" in 1992, where she was keyboardist and lead singer. They originated and produced "Caribbean Madness", the only Caribbean Riverboat Cruise series on the Connecticut River, which sold out for 5 seasons. She has performed with many other steelpan artists, Tony "Kitch" Paine, son of legendary Lord Kitchner among others. She continues to be in demand for Caribbean performances and will be working on a touring Nujazz/Chill group in the near future.
Website :-
www.bickleyrivera.com
