Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

The weather has been cool all week in Vancouver, but not rainy, so we have had a little break from last week's blazing days.

This weekend promises to be sunny and very warm, perfect for Hats Off Day in Burnaby, BC, the yearly festival that runs the entire length of Hastings Street (between Boundary Rd.and Willingdon), and that includes a boffo parade at 10 am and lots of live music all day long!

There will be various small stages, booths, and food stalls all along the street, but the largest production and show value is on the West Stage at 3800 Hastings @ Esmond (one block east of Boundary).

I will be be performing with Urbana Big Band at 11 am, and with the Arokis Allstars at noon.  The powerhouse blues-belter Lisa Fennell takes the stage at 1 pm (she has a new album out in a few weeks), and the ebullient Top City (feat. LJ Mounteney) lays down the R&B at 2 pm. Soul 2 Life Band performs at 3 pm with special guests and I return to the stage at 4 pm for a set of my originals. Whew!

After that, I head over to Ten Ten Tapas for my usual Saturday 7-10 dinner jazz (although it gets pretty rocking by 9 pm). They have a patio that is so amazing (as is the food). You MUST make rezzies in advance 604-689-7800!

I have had some good success with my straight ahead jazz recordings, besides my contemporary stuff. After all, it is my first love and I grew up listening to the likes of Blue Mitchell, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and of course Miles Davis. I started trumpet when I was eight years old in summer band, and in middle and high school band I always played the solo chair in stage band, but for concert band I switched around from flute to sousaphone, to french horn, and whatever....later on I picked up trombone and electronic valve instrument, so I guess that set me up to be a unique doubler on a variety of wind instruments.....

My Come Out Swingin' album lodged itself on the JazzWeek mainstream charts (the bible for jazz radio) for eight weeks, a pretty long run by most standards! It had a really swinging track from a relative unknown vocalist at the time -Michael Bublé- with whom I would go on to work beside for several years. He even performed in my big band....

My second mainstream album was called Swingin' Affair, a title I thought was somewhat original, but which I later found out was also a Sinatra album- oh well, the concept was consistent and you can't fault ol' Blue Eyes! 

My friend and jazz promoter Willi Germann always signs off with 'Swing Gently Always', but my mantra is 'Swing Hard Always!'

Here are some sample tracks from my straight ahead stuff, which can all be found at GabrielJazz.com or directly from WindtunnelRecords.com, physical copies and downloads. 

Speaking of Bublé, I am offering a free unreleased bonus track I recorded with him as a tribute to Sinatra, but it never really saw the light of day ..... it is oh so sweet, though! It's yours free with either album, full download or disc.

Senor Blues (on trumpet) 

I've Got You Under My Skin (on flugelhorn with Bublé) 

I'm back from several Arizona gigs and I brought the weather! 

I have an exciting weekend ahead in Vancouver, please join me:

May 23  I'm at www.TenTenTapas.com on the Beach Ave. seawall - with ocean view patio no less!

7-10 pm, with guests.

May 24 is the Inaugural Urban Temple with the DLights, at the Imperial On Main.   All day event, band 2-5 pm www.imperialvancouver.com

While you are here check out the latest review from Belgium 

and download Open Invitation from www.windtunnelrecords.com and receive a free download of an unreleased track I recorded with the late great Ronny Jordan!

The Art of Jazz goes back to the turn of the (last) century, but arguably its Golden Age was the 1950's and early 60's. Jazz musicians not only spun endless and intricate melodic improvisational ruminations, but they composed a myriad of simple to complex songs to be used as launching pads for those flights of fancy. 'Tin Pan Alley' songwriters such as Cole Porter also provided a fantastic chordal platform for jazzers. 

Classic Jazz was birthed from the loins of traditional 'dixieland' or 'trad' jazz, and its subsequent incarnations of popular swing and big band styles, but blossomed as bebop on New York's 42nd Street at jazz havens like Minton's and Birdland in the late 40's

Jazz Vespers is a tradition which also started in New York around that time, by icons such as Duke Ellington, that integrated the secular and non-secular aspects of music and worship in a church environment.

At a recent Jazz Vespers gig at St Andrews Wesley, I put my quartet through its paces on a set of Classic Jazz standards from Horace Silver, Cole Porter, Isham Jones, Bobby Timmons, and even an original or two.

The band consisted of Jason Decouto on  piano, Timothy Stacey on bass, Chris Haas on drums, and myself on trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as some flute. Rev Dan Chambers provided a contemporary commentary (some would say sermon) and wrapped the theme up nicely with his musings. Garth Balint shot the video, but apologies to Tom Rose, who did a smashing job of the audio - but whose credits were inadvertently left off the videos.

We tried to keep it sweet and fun in that serene environment. Enjoy!

Moanin'

There Is No Greater Love

I Love You

Song for My Father

Let It Slide (original composition)

I am mostly known for my dozen or more contemporary jazz releases (including Album of the Year  award 2011), but my entire catalog can be found at Windtunnelrecords.com, and my two mainstream releases can be found there, along with my five Billboard charting titles.

Come Out Swingin' (feat Michael Bublé before he hit it big, and it stayed on the Jazz Week charts for 8 weeks)

Swingin' Affair (feat Dee Daniels, Nancy Ruth, and the Big Band Trio)

Photos from Carol Carson

Photos from Gladys Lee

GabrielJazz.com

I have gotten some pretty good love for my first single 'Propulsion' (feat. Greg Manning), off my latest recording Open Invitation, which has been on the Billboard charts since December (four months!) and got up to #17,  and up to #15 on the Smoothjazz.com chart. That makes five Billboard Top 20 hits under my own name (from 3 albums), plus two more as featured soloist with Bob Baldwin and Paul Hardcastle. I'Just entering the charts is my second single 'Count Me In'!

Great reviews keep coming in for Open Invitation (even Randy Brecker weighed in!)..... read them below or online. 

In the new spring issue of the fabulous JAZZIZ magazine, I got yet another glowing review, and one of my songs was picked for their 'Music for Early Evenings and Late Nights Vol.6' two disc sampler that comes with the magazine, which features some excellent company! JAZZIZ writes: 

"You might expect a cat with the name Gabriel to blow trumpet. But Gabriel Mark Hasselbach also displays his mastery on flugelhorn, alto and c melody flutes, valve trombone, and electronic valve instrument.Having sharpened his skills on stages alongside everyone from Michael Bublé, Jeff Lorber and Chuck Loeb to Little Richard, George Benson and John Lee Hooker, Hasselbach has a vast tonal palette from which to draw. He's also won acclaim for his own smooth jazz discography, which spans more than 30 years. On his latest, the aptly titled Open Invitation (Windtunnel), Hasselbach recruited friends and associates who just happen to rank among some of the top names in the contemporary jazz world. Pianist Bob Baldwin, and saxophonists Bob Mintzer, Rock Hendricks and Cory Weeds all lend their talents to this set of Hasselbach originals. 'Count Me In', [on the enclosed disc], kicks off the recording with some bluesy textures, thanks to guitarist Adam Rohrlick, who can effortlessly conjure B.B. King or Wes Montgomery. Hasselbach's trumpet, flugelhorn, and flute lines drift enticingly over and around the laid-back groove."

INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS ARE ARE THROUGH THE ROOF!

FROM THE USA:

"Gabriel Mark Hasselbach's new CD Open Invitation, on which he wrote all the tunes and plays trumpet, flugel, alto and C flutes, valve bone, and EVI, is a tour de force of arranging and production..... Gabriel sounds great on everything.... no easy task, and should be really proud of this one! You'll find yourself humming these tunes when you least expect it!" ~ Randy Brecker -multiple Grammy winning trumpeter (Brecker Bros, etc)

 Gabriel - Open Invitation  -  A Review by Dee Dee McNeil

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, all trumpets, alto and C flutes, flugelhorn, valve bone, EVI;
Lew Lang Jr., keys, bass, programming; Greg Manning, piano solo on 'Propulsion'; Bob Baldwin, piano solo on 'Charmed Life'

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach always surrounds himself with quality musicians to play and interpret his well written compositions. The results is another catchy, melodic, smooth jazz recording produced, composed and engineered by the artist himself with the assistance of Lew Lang Jr.  Gabriel's music is easy listening and comfortable like a favorite easy chair. You are drawn to it, compelled to settle into its warmth, prop up your feet, open up your ears and enjoy.

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach - Open Invitation   4/4  "Canadian trumpeter Gabriel Mark Hasselbach returns on Open Invitation with his proven formula for success: a cadre of talented guest artists, fresh, funky rhythms and at least one soulful vocal track. "Lovelight" spotlights Hasselbach with vocals from Dee & Brittani Cole. Bob Baldwin (p) shines on "Charmed Life"; Bob Mintzer (sax) adds spice on "Let It Slide" and Cory Weeds (sax) stars on "Carte Blanche". These are a few of the highlights in yet another winning set from GMH." ~ D. Oscar  Groomes, O's Place Jazz Newsletter

".....riveting sound ......solid groove-packed ..... loaded with both soothing and searingly funky jazz just like we C-jazzers like it. After his scorching 2012 Kissed By the Sun release, who could expect anything less from this prolific trumpeter who not only cranks out his own quality albums but is featured on albums by other top-notch artists, as well. ....Hasselbach also has some straight-ahead work under his belt – and you may be able to detect some of that influence ....much to the delight of the C-jazzers of the world.This album, which also features him on flugelhorn and flutes, has some cool contributors like keyboardists Greg Manning, Cal Harris Jr., and Bob Baldwin, and saxman Bob Mintzer of Yellowjackets fame. They all make this one cool, flowing party. Suffice it to say that Hasselbach not only consistently has a handle on the C-jazz groove but again works it to perfection here on Open Invitation. ~ Ronald Jackson-  TheSmoothJazzRide.com    read full review here

FROM CANADA:

" ....an album that raises the bar for coolness, style, chicness, and a compelling elegant vibe", and "...this Vancouver-based musical master plays with the big boys because he can. Whether trumpet, flute or flugelhorn (oh how I love that word!) GMH proves time and time again that he is worthy of every accolade"  WAVE.FM

"I recently received trumpeter Gabriel Hasselbach's new cd Open Invitation and I highly recommend it!  It's fast, classy and progressive and full of great all-star guest performers. I can see why the first single release, Propulsion, with special guest Greg Manning is sweeping the jazz world - it's just great music! I guarantee months of repeat playing of Gabriel's new music on my jazz program! Keep up the good work and great music Gabriel!"  ~ Bill Sharpe, host of Newfoundland's only jazz program Cool Jazz On The Coast  

"Just wanted to say hi and tell you that I’ve been listening to your “Open Invitation” CD, and I’m really enjoying it! It’s great to hear you expressing yourself using ALL of the colours in your palette, and to hear the way you use them to add spice and variety to different sections in your tunes. Great guests too - and top notch compositions and production. Well done, my friend!"

~ Nathen Aswell, Keynote Speaker / Recording Artist, www.NathenAswell.com

FROM SWITZERLAND

Gabriel - Open Invitation (2014)
"Trumpet player Gabriel Mark Hasselbach - currently calling himself just Gabriel - comes up with an awesome album full of memorable tracks and tons of first-rate guest players, like Bob Mintzer, Bob Baldwin, Greg Manning and many others. The music is groovy and offers a lot of variety, the musicianship is on a high level, and the smooth trumpet and flugelhorn playing of the leader holds it all together. Great stuff!"  ~  Peter Boehi Smoothvibes.com Switzerland

FROM GERMANY:

"With Open Invitation it becomes apparent that Gabriel needn't shy away from comparison with any other trumpeter in the world."  

~ Hans-Bernd Hülsmann- Smooth Jazz Daily

From Belgium:

"An open invitation to get acquainted with Gabriel’s music.... It’s been 3 years since I reviewed Gabriel’s latest album ‘Kissed by the Sun’ here, and for this new one he set to top that. Next to his fiery trumpet and spacious flute, he gave other musicians the opportunity to help him, and those are keyboardists Greg Manning, Bob Baldwin and Cal Harris Jr., Bob Mintzer (Yellowjackets sax), Rock Hendricks (Paul Hardcastle sax), as well as breakout stars such as guitarists Adam Rohrlick and Olaf deShield. Opener and second single ‘Count Me In’ features guitarist Adam Rohrlick and Gabriel blows a laidback groove. The first single ‘Propulsion’ features Greg Manning on piano and landed in the top 15. The title track is a really smooth tune with Cal Harris Jr. on keyboards, while ‘Init2Winit’ is a happy song. On ‘Charmed Life’ you can hear the piano of Bob Baldwin, while romance is in the air on the ballad ‘Lovelight’ with vocalists Dee & Brittani Cole. After that comes ‘Let’s Do This Tang’ with Olaf deShield on guitar, but it’s the Latinesque ‘Let It Slide’ with sax man Bob Mintzer that turns it funky. ‘Aurora Borealis’ is more relaxed, and Gabriel takes us to the islands with ‘Carte Blanche’. Indeed, a nice melodic album, that shows Gabriel’s versatility. There’s not a bad track here!"

Patrick Van de Wiele     http://www.smoothjazz.eu/

------------------------------------------------

Open Invitation is available here:

~ Windtunnel Records  http://windtunnelrecords.com

~ CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gabrielmarkhasselbach3

~ iTunes:  

~ Amazon worldwide, including Amazon JAPAN!: 

	Open Invitation More about this product Price: ￥ 1,500

There are some tremendous events packed into this weekend, mark your calendar!

This Saturday April 18, from 2-5 pm, I will be performing for National Record Store Day at Beat Merchant Records, the stalwart, time honoured music mecca in Steveston. Owned by music aficionado extraordinaire Frankie Neilson, this place has it all, and he can order anything you want. I'll be performing live and will have my complete catalogue there, and will do some cd signing. Expect some special guests (you know who you are, c'mon down!). The Beatmerchant, 160 / 12240 2nd Ave, Richmond, BC, V7E 3L8. An easy drive south on #2 Rd, #3 Rd, or Hwy 99 to Steveston Hwy, west into the scenic waterfront  MAP

Saturday evening I am at my 'roost' Ten Ten Tapas, after a week off for an Awards Show. I am bringing my new red trumpet (Zeff France) and have invited some special guests like Lisa Fennell and J. Anthony to join me. It is always a party, the food is great, and Sylvia will be your hostess with the mostess! Be sure to make a rezzie 604-689-7800!

Then on Sunday,  at 4 pm, I will be performing at the venerable Jazz Vespers at St Andrews Wesley United Church on Burrard at Nelson. Free parking below, alley entrance. Jazz Vespers is a tradition from the 40's, brought into the public eye by Duke Ellington and a few other icons in NYC. I will have a quartet made up of Tim Stacey on bass, Chris Haas on drums, and Jason Decouto on grand piano. We have a swinging, straight-ahead set planned with some classics from Horace Silver and Cole Porter, as well as a few originals. Rev Dan Chambers has a message prepared about how Hope and Belief Systems provide some structure in our lives and smooth out the sometimes rough ride. The music has been tailored to this message, so come and see how it all fits together....We'll keep it swingin' and joyous.

If you miss any of these events and would like some of my music, it can be found at the usual popular download providers, but all physical cds and downloads are available only from www.WindtunnelRecords.com. Read the stellar reviews of my latest release Open Invitation HERE.

Judging by the number of Grammys he's won, the variety of music idioms he has mastered, the litany of recordings and shows with high profile names he's racked up, and the impossible feats of musicianship and songwriting he has done on his own and with the Brecker Bros. Band, it is fair to say that Randy Brecker is the foremost trumpeter on the planet, not to mention being a really nice guy. 

'Nuff said! 

He has several new recordings out in 2015, as solo and with big band, and with the Brecker Brothers (old and new), and check him out at www.RandyBrecker.com