WJ3 Records To Release 3 New Recordings

WJ3 Records Announces Three New Releases For 3rd Quarter, 2020.

"Despite the challenges brought forward by this terrible pandemic, we in the arts community feel an obligation to offer up our gifts of music to those in need of encouragement, enlightenment and elevation" says WJ3 records CEO, Willie Jones III. "We have a sincere hope to be able to present live music for you throughout the world in the near future, but for the sake of everyone's safety, we understand the restrictions and wish our dear friends - the venue owners worldwide and their families, all of our dear fans and friends - safety and continued appreciation for all they have done to support live music over the year."

Initially, WJ3 will release (slated for an August, 2020 street date) "Harlem Stories: The Music Of Thelonious Monk" by the phenomenal saxophonist, Dr. Teodross Avery.

On this, his eighth release as a leader, Avery delivers a ten-track collection with the support of two different quartets; the bandleader is joined by pianists Anthony Wonsey and DD Jackson, bassist Corcoran Holt , drummers Willie Jones III (president of WJ3 Records) and Marvin “Bugalu” Smith and percussionist Allakoi Peete .

The next title to be offered is by critically-acclaimed pianist, Isaiah J. Thompson. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Blue Engine Records’ Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. From West Orange, New Jersey, Isaiah began studying classical piano at the age of five and quickly branched out to other styles. He was admitted to The Juilliard School at the age of 18 and graduated with his B.M. and M.M. in 2020. Since then, Isaiah has performed with major artists, including Christian McBride, Steve Turre, John Pizzarelli and Buster Williams. He recently worked on the Golden Globe nominated soundtrack for Motherless Brooklyn, and has since been awarded other accolades including receiving the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and earning second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk (now Herbie Hancock) Institute of Jazz Piano Competition.

Isaiah J. Thompson puts his best creative foot forward with his first recording on the WJ3 Imprint (which is celebrating it's 2oth year of producing fine recordings) and it is titled: "Isaiah J. Thompson Plays The Music Of Buddy Montgomery" featuring WJ3 label chief, Willie Jones III on drums, Young Arts Finalist, Phillip Norris on bass and internationally-renowned percussionist, Daniel Sadownick.

Rounding out this list of stellar releases will be an album titled "If Time Could Stand Still" from saxophone sensation, Mr. Gregory Tardy. Gregory's passion for the saxophone took over his studies and soon his clarinet was set aside for future escapades. He moved to St. Louis and after a year of performing on the jazz and blues scene, he decided to move back to his birthplace, New Orleans, in order to focus his jazz studies even further. “This proved to be great move”, Tardy says. “ There were all of these outstanding players down there-many of which went on to be well known, like Nicholas Payton, Brian Blade, Victor Goines, Mark Turner, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis and far too many others to mention.

Over the years, the press has said many kind words about Mr. Tardy's work: “Big sound, deep seated feel for the blues, and cerebral avante-garde chops.” - New York Magazine ...“With every release he takes another step forward establishing himself as one of the most important saxophonists of his generation.” - All About Jazz.....“Until you master the blues, anything else you do in jazz is going to sound hollow. Gregory Tardy has not made that mistake.” - The Washington Post. With those kinds of accolades, it's almost certain that something positive would be gained by hearing his latest recording. This album, "If Time Could Stand Still", is a powerfully intuitive and reflective rendering. It features the musical voicing of bassist Alexander Claffy, pianist, Keith Brown (son of legendary pianist, Donald Brown), Willie Jones III on drums, and special guest, trumpeter, Alex Norris. These specially selected songs allow the artist to express his views on current events, while at the same time bringing forth moments of cheerful optimism from the past - objective: perseverance through the adversity of today.

Look for the releases by Isaiah Thompson and Gregory Tardy in September 2020