FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
The jazz ensemble known as Aspen Groove
have released their self-titled LP record album, “Aspen Groove.”
The album is comprised of 10 original tracks for an approximate total
of one hour's listening time. A soothing, mellow instrumental
collection of contemporary jazz numbers penned in the fusion, soul
and Brazilian styles (among others) “Aspen Groove” is a warm and
natural set appropriate for nearly any imaginable circumstance.
Aspen Groove is the product of
keyboardist, composer and music producer, Erik Hjelt. Though Hjelt
hails from Portland, OR, the selections on “Aspen Groove” bespeak
an inspiration drawn from Colorado landscapes, as does the album's
cover art. This inborn fascination in and appreciation of the
geography of Colorado comes from his frequent visits there to visit
family, where he took advantage of every opportunity for
“sightseeing, hiking and skiing in world-class scenery.”
Faithfully to these sights and scenes, the jazz compositions of
“Aspen Groove” paint images and conjure vignettes in the mind's
eye, many of them romantic. “Land of the Hanging Valley,” for
instance, was inspired by Glacier National Park.
Hjelt cites as main artistic influences
the likes of Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Fourplay, Quincy Jones, Jay
Graydon, Take 6, The Yellowjackets, George Benson, The Rippingtons,
and Ivan Lins. Certain attributes of these crop up in his new record
from time to time (the naturalistic piano plinking of Grusin, a funky
bass line in the style of Jones, etc.) yet the overarching feel of
“Aspen Groove” is guided by Hjelt's own, earthy sound. The LP is
entirely produced by Hjelt, himself.
Hjelt has been writing music since the
6th grade. Studying with Portland jazz pianists George Mitchell and
Randy Porter developed Erik’s keyboard skills, and he wrote the
main theme for “She’s Only in My Dreams” at 14. He was
heavily-lauded as a jazz pianist in high school before attending
Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, where he played in jazz
ensembles while studying music composition.
He was featured in a piano duo with
Eric Reed performing “Night in Tunisia” at this time, and opened
with his combo band for Wynton Marsalis. Recently, he has been
experimenting in urban gospel music, adding more of the soul feel to
his repertoire. His portfolio of compositions amounts to many LP
records' worth, “Aspen Groove” representing his favorite choices
for a self-titled collection.
“Aspen Groove” by Aspen Groove is
available online worldwide beginning 25 October 2013.
-S. McCauley
Staff Press Release Writer
MondoTunes
The LP “Aspen Groove” is
distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com)
and is available at iTunes for convenient purchase and download
MondoTunes
(www.mondotunes.com)
supplies the largest music distribution in the world and provides
upstream services for many major labels in search of breakout
artists. While most independent distributors reach only 45-50
retailers despite charging needless monthly and yearly fees,
MondoTunes reaches over 750 retailers and mobile partners in over 100
world regions without any monthly or yearly fees.
ARTIST CONTACT INFO:
eMail -
redstoneaspen@gmail.com
redstoneaspen@gmail.com
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