SMOOTH JAZZ LOCAL FAVORITES 496 WEST RELEASE THIRD STUDIO ALBUM, KEY CHANGE
496 WEST TO RELEASE THIRD ALBUM WITH ON JULY 28
Lansing, MI – KEY CHANGE, the third studio album from Lansing’s favorite smooth jazz ensemble, 496 West will be released on JULY 28.
This album represents a natural progression in the development of the group. The title Key Change signals a bit of an evolution of the group as for the first time in the group’s history, this album features more original tracks than covers. Comprised of six original tunes along with four covers, Key Change will delight listeners with an audible collision of culture, history, and the unique smooth jazz sound, tone, and texture that fans have come to expect from 496 West.
One of the album’s most notable highlights is a track titled St. Joe Hwy. Composed and arranged by the group’s musical director and keyboardist, Al McKenzie, in collaboration with saxophone virtuoso and Lansing native Tim Cunningham. St. Joe Hwy is a track that one will not soon forget. Drawing inspiration from the sights and sound of Lansing, St Joe Hwy is a text book demonstration of how to transform one’s surroundings into sound and then make that sound worth hearing over and over again.
Key Change is truly a unique treat to be enjoyed by anyone. The album features mostly contemporary jazz and varies from instrumental to vocal selections. Featured on Key Change are the musical stylings of Al McKenzie (keys), Reggie Page (sax), Sebastian Wood (keys), Jeff Gregory (trumpet), Terrence Hawkins (sax), Zakiya Williams (vocals), and Mocha Man (sax). Also performing is Rafael Statin (sax), Andres DeJesus (percussion), Charlie Wilson (guitar), Joe Amerson and Dennis Johnson (drums), Kevin Wilson (guitar), Jon Herrmann and Michael Wilson (bass) and Tim Cunningham (sax).
496 West is currently performing in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. They will be promoting their newest release. You can catch up with the band by visiting 496West.com.
The official release of Key Change is July 28, which coincides with BMRW Promotion’s signature event An Evening of Smooth Jazz featuring legendary saxophonist Gerald Albright and Detroit’s own Angela Davis. An Evening of Smooth Jazz takes place in the Holt H.S. Livensparger Theater, 5885 W. Holt Road in Holt MI. For ticketing information, visit BMRWPromotions.com
496 WEST 2017 UPCOMING SHOWS
Sunday, May 14, 2017 Lansing MI Cooley Law School Stadium-The VIEW
Thursday, June 01, 2017 6PM Monroe MI – River Raisin Night Series
Saturday, June 10, 2017 Southfield MI-Private Event
Saturday, June 24, 2017 East Lansing, MI – Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
Saturday, July 22 Elmore, OH – Jazz In the Garden
Saturday, July 22, Columbus, OH – Columbus Rib & Jazz Festival
Sunday, July 23 Lansing MI Cooley Law School Stadium-The VIEW
Friday, July 28, 2017 Holt MI – An Evening of Smooth Jazz
Wednesday, August 02, 2017 Lansing MI – Concerts in the Park
Friday, August 04, 2017 Monroe MI – River Raisin Night Series
Saturday, August 26, 2017 Lansing MI PRBC Community Music Series