Blue Truffle Newsletter - Hot Deals & Cool Music

Published: Sat, 12/13/14

Valid until December 31, 2014.
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The FLAC Advantage: Superior Audio Quality
High definition FLAC files ("free lossless audio code") are rich in all of the technical nuances that jazz artists spend years learning to master. 
It is no secret that MP3 audio files are missing audio information from the original recordings. 
· To facilitate commercial (as opposed to artistic) objectives, MP3 audio files are compressed to produce smaller file sizes to reduce download time and facilitate streaming.
· Although there may be little noticeable difference with much of today's popular music, jazz artists spend years mastering many of the technical nuances routinely discarded by this compression process.
· For those interested in learning more about the relationship between artistic and commercial objectives (also referred to as “consumerism”), as well as a comprehensive analysis of the future of jazz, we recommend Stuart Nicholson’s new book “Jazz and Culture in a Global Age”, Northeastern University Press, 2014.
· For artistic purposes, FLAC files were developed to facilitate downloading without loss of vital musical information.
· Physical CDs use WAV files generally considered too large for downloading.
· Although still larger than MP3s, FLAC files are about half the size of standard WAV files. 
· Developed in 2000 by Josh Coalson, FLAC files are “open-format” (i.e., non-commercial).
· While they take a little longer to download and require additional disk space compared to MP3s, most serious jazz fans prefer FLACs. 
· All Blue Truffle FLAC file purchases include our complimentary FLAC Guide (with instructions for playing FLACs on your Mac or PC and free audio player recommendations).
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Give the Gift of Jazz
Whether it's tickets to hear live jazz or a gift card to buy jazz albums (downloads or CDs), private online music lessons, or instruction books, the gift of jazz can ignite a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Available from bluetrufflemusic.com, Blue Truffle Gift Cards can be emailed to anyone for online purchases of any jazz albums, private lessons, books, etc.  
Although many claim to be jazz artists, Blue Truffle artists are selected based upon their musicianship, creativity, as well as their dedication to listener enjoyment.
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Top 2014 Jazz Albums
Ed Byrne's Latin Jazz Evolution - "Conquistador"

Original Latin jazz with a hint of French impressionism.  "Classic Nuyerican style with...blues form and feeling...", "interesting twists","...packing enough zing to prickle the tongue without watering one's eyes", The New York City Jazz Record, December 2012. Ed Byrne, Grammy Award winning trombonist, composer, arranger, educator, Doctor of Musical Arts, and author has performed and recorded with a great many of the world's jazz and Latin musicians (including a Grammy Award as trombonist with Eddie Palmieri's band). Cover artwork features original oil painting of Ed Byrne, the Conquistador, by NYC artist Pavol Olsavsky III.

Borwse Ed's Artist Page

From New York City:   Jonathan Saraga - "First Vision"

Award-winning New York City native trumpeter Jonathan Saraga's debut album "First Vision" features  six original ultra-modern jazz compositions.

Jonathan is accompanied by a few of today's most innovative up-and-coming jazz artists.

Browse Jonathan's Artist Page
From Athens, Greece: Kassetas-Spanos - "Jungle of Illusions"
"Jungle of Illusions" features a fusion of Eastern textures and modal harmonies composed ;and performed by Yiannis Kassetas and George Spanos, together with several of Greece's finest jazz musicians. Saxophonist, composer and arranger Yiannis Kassetas is now back in Greece from his recent U.S.A. Jungle of Illusions Tour. Drummer, composer and arranger George Spanos recently moved from Athens, Greece to New York City and has been performing with world-renowned saxophonist John Zorn at The Stone, one of New York's most prestigious jazz venues.
Browse Kassetas-Spanos Artist Page

 Ed Byrne - "Two Shades of Blue"

TWO SHADES OF BLUE features five original compositions by Ed Byrne (leader, slide trombone, valve trombone) as well as stellar early-career performances by several of today's most esteemed jazz artists.  Originally recorded in 1985 (Suite I) and 1999 (Suite II), TWO SHADES OF BLUE has never been formally released. Ed Byrne, Grammy Award winning trombonist, composer, arranger, educator, Doctor of Musical Arts, and author has performed and recorded with a great many of the world's jazz and Latin musicians (including a Grammy Award as trombonist with Eddie Palmieri's band).

Ed Byrne (leader, trombone), John Abercombie (guitar), Ron McClure (bass), Victor Lewis (drums), Jim McNeely (piano), Milton Cardona (percussion), Mick Goodrick (guitar), Bob Gullotti (drums), John Lockwood (bass)

Browse Ed's Artist Page

From Paris, France:    Marc Thomas - "Pardon My French"

Award-winning French vocalist Marc Thomas's 5th album "Pardon My French" features four original modern jazz compositions by French pianist/composer Vincent Bourgeyx.


Browse Marc's Artist Page

Carl Clements - "Forth and Back"

FORTH AND BACK features nine original compositions for jazz quartet by progressive jazz performer Carl Clements (saxophones, flute and Indian flute). 

As one of today's most active saxophonists, Carl regularly performs jazz and world music in jazz clubs and festivals throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.  

Cover features original painting by Amanda Barrow.


Browse Carl's Artist Page

From Athens, Greece:   Yiannis Kassetas & the Funk Wizards - "Funkabyss"

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Inspired by the sea, "Funkabyss" features original compositions and arrangements by Greek saxophonist Yiannis Kassetas accompanied by the Funk Wizards.

Browse Yiannis' Artist Page
Ed Byrne's "Linear Jazz Improvisation" - Book 1

Using a wealth of examples from the jazz repertory, "Linear Jazz Improvisation" Book 1 avoids theoretical terminology and focuses on identifying and systematically developing  the essential elements of tunes.

LJI offers not only the methodology for focused practicing of meaningful improvisation in your own style, it supplies the very substance of what you play.


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Dave Frank's "Joy of Improv" - Volumes 1 and 2

Dave Frank's "Joy of Improv" books are  currently being used as course material at universities and music schools worldwide, and are designed for players of all instruments as a way to develop the necessary foundation needed for a lifetime of blues and jazz improvisation.

Unlike many of the jazz instruction books on the market, JOI is a comprehensive curriculum for the aspiring improviser. Each book contains 26 lessons of graduated difficulty, and every lesson includes a technical exercise, loads of hip jazz voicings, a "solo pattern" for transposition, and an original blues tune and jazz line (based on a standard) written by Dave.

Each book includes a CD enhanced for PC and Mac containing valuable verbal teaching by Dave and recordings of all the exercise and tunes.
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Ed Byrne's "Functional Jazz Guitar"

Learn the skills needed for playing in a jazz group with this fun 255-page method book. Practice specific cadence and blues comps; guide-tone and bass lines; rhythms, voicings, and licks in major and minor in all 12 keys-with nine Free Sound Files! 

"For someone who has been teaching jazz guitar for over forty years, it's great to finally have a book I can use. Ed Byrne's Functional Jazz Guitar book is a great way to help students realize their full potential." Dom Minasi

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Private Online Jazz Lessons
Whether you are a beginner looking to start learning an instrument at any stage in life or a seasoned professional looking to hone your jazz skills, learn directly from the world's top jazz educators. Blue Truffle jazz lessons via Skype allow you to access the finest jazz educators from the comfort of your home.
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Featured Video
"Shades of Renoir" Dave Frank click to play video
 
Browse Dave's Artist Page
Jazz Community Resources
Support Live Jazz
Although we sell high definition downloads & CDs, we believe that watching musicians perform onstage can lead to a fuller appreciation of the music and its energy. Visit the Blue Truffle Gig Calendar for events in your area.
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Jazz Foundation of America
From performance opportunities to emergency living expenses, from medical care to housing, the Jazz Foundation of America offers a variety of programs and assistance for jazz and blues musicians in need.
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New Brunswick Jazz Project
Since 2010 the New Brunswick Jazz Project has been making Central Jersey a destination for great jazz by bringing world-renowned veteran musicians and emerging talent to local venues every week.
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Jazz Record Center - 236 West 26th St. #804, NYC
Fred Cohen, owner of the Jazz Record Center, has been sharing his extensive knowledge with customers since 1983. As a long-time live jazz connoisseur, he provides his customers with unparalleled expertise and guidance. Additionally, the Jazz Record Center's selection of jazz CDs & vinyl LPs is one of the largest in New York City and is considered by many to be among the best on this planet.
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Are you a Blue Truffle Jazz Club member?
If not already a member, click here to join our mailing list to receive future Blue Truffle Newsletters directly via email. New members also receive a $5 coupon, copy of the Blue Truffle Music Jazz Listener's Guide and a jazz download track.

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30% Off 
all downloads (FLAC or MP3)

Valid through 12/31/2014

Please use Coupon Code jazzfan
while purchasing downloads from the


Jazz Artists or Labels

The Blue Truffle Music Store is a non-exclusive digital marketplace for selected premium jazz downloads (FLACs, MP3_320kbps), CDs, sheet music, books, private Skype lessons, merchandise, etc.

Blue Truffle jazz artists can increase sales and gain exposure without restricting and/or interfering with their existing marketing and sales activities (e.g., iTunes, CD Baby, TuneCore, Amazon, etc.)

Email us at info@bluetrufflemusic.com for information about placing your albums for sale in the Blue Truffle Music Store.

Blue Truffle Music, LLC,  P.O. Box 4093, Warren, NJ 07059  

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