TIMES 4: Relations

Times 4

Relations

© 2007 groove tonic media (691317010624)

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Delivering a fresh Bay Area blend of uplifting modern jazz with urban flavor, Times 4 generates an artful and intense musical interplay steeped in the history of friendship and common roots.

notes

Times 4 has been an active part of the San Francisco music scene for over four years, delivering a fresh and energetic Bay Area blend of music that expresses their diverse backgrounds. The instrumental quartet of S.F. area natives performs dynamic music improvisations with distinctive melodies driven by urban flavors of jazz, funk, latin, and hip-hop that move the Times 4 audience to feel dance in their bones.

The band's performances are an artful and intense musical interplay steeped in the history of friendship and common roots - the band members are friends and collaborators in musical dialogues that began in their teens. Times 4 has appeared at the San Jose Jazz Society concert series, San Jose Jazz Festival, KKSF Earth Day, San Jose Soulebration, and SF's Fillmore Jazz Festival. The band refined their tight and unique sound over many years of performances at fine San Francisco area events, clubs, and lounges. Their debut CD, "Seductivity", released in 2004 still generates widespread acclaim.

Times 4's new CD release is a project inspired by group-improvised musical motifs. These motifs fueled songwriting sessions that yielded this entire album of collaborative compositions. Thus, the title of the new CD, "Relations".

The Band Members

Lincoln Adler (saxophone) developed his sound playing in local Bay Area bands, and refined his abilities at the University of California, Berkeley as a member of the UC Jazz Ensembles. He became an in-demand session player and composer/producer for TV and film in Los Angeles. He released four albums under his own name as well as one with the successful band Rain-bo Tribe. Lincoln has performed and recorded with many artists including guitarist Anthony Wilson, actor/pianist Jeff Goldblum, kd lang, and Olivia Newton John.

Kevin Lofton (bass) is the root and harmonic foundation of Times 4. A San Jose native, Kevin's career highlights include touring the U.S. and Canada with Protege, Stevie B, and Jahi and the Life along with drummer Maurice. Their years of musical friendship produce a rhythmic conception and energetic foundation from which Times 4 launches their adventurous improvisations.

Maurice Miles (drums), also raised in San Jose, California, is the heartbeat of Times 4. Mo combines complex elements of jazz, funk and hip-hop in his playing to create a sophisticated, syncopated backbeat. Maurice has played in a diverse range of musical projects, including the R&B band Protege, acid jazz group Congo Square, and he has toured and recorded with Kofy Brown.

Greg Sankovich (keyboards) began his career performing in the local SF music scene with jazz, R&B, and dance bands, and for several years accompanied singer Brenda Boykin. He was also active in the UC Jazz Ensembles with Lincoln. Greg lived in Tokyo for over ten years, performing with many top Japanese musicians. He has contributed his keys to many recordings, TV, radio, and film productions.

reviews

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  • author: Rob Young

    When I hear about or see new music that’s immersed in a blueprint of attractive grooves anchored by the spirit of creativity, innovation, and encircled by intense melodies then I’m usually drawn in hook line and sinker.

  • ...appealing to lovers of blues, rock and cutting-edge jazz.
    author: Jonathan Widran - All Media Guide (AMG)

    Whatever vibe Times 4 shoots for -- contemplative cool on the title track, energized Rhodes-tinged funk on "Hericane" -- the main thing that shines through is a tight group dynamic with exciting and loose playing that draws the listener into the fun.

  • An up-tempo vibe, accentuated with an irrefutable edge!
    author: Glenn Astarita - ejazz news

    The musicians’ self-penned comps serve as rock-solid underpinnings for their tightly-woven exchanges. The ensemble’s nicely-designed crossover of expansive soloing coupled with memorable themes and airy frameworks should hypothetically, yield a wide-ranging fan base. Its contemporary jazz that projects an up-tempo vibe, accentuated with an irrefutable edge! –

  • Relations evolves the idea of Seductivity to a new higher level. Lincoln Adler r
    author: hbh

    The new album is inspired by the spontaneous interaction between group and audience and this spirit is to hear on every track of the album. Contemporary jazz fans love improvisation and spontaneity. Lincoln Adler's impetus is to incorporate this spirit in his new work. Read the complete review at the above mentioned link.

  • This is a first-rate CD from all perspectives.
    author: Maurice G.

    This is a first-rate CD from all perspectives including composition and performance, down to artwork and presentation. The band continues to grow from it's impressive debut CD of a couple of years ago.

  • A tasty date that breaks new ground and opens the ears
    author: Midwest Record

    Standing on the corner where progressive jazz meets contemporary urban, this well versed SF based crew does their genre splicing with grand style. The kind of set that will bring younger tastes into the jazz tent, there’s a smartness and style here that percolates and bubbles and ultimately bubbles over with the kind of enthusiasm that wins new fans over. A tasty date that breaks new ground and opens the ears.

  • Superb in production and high in musical quality!
    author: Bernd Niedergesaess, radio42.com - Germany

    A nice and perfect album...Giving you the right jazz club feeling with this touch of live athmo. Superb in production and high in musical quality!

  • Fantastic Album
    author: Alex Pijnen, BRTO Radio - Netherlands

    Fantastic Album. Great stuff for our Radio Station.

  • Refreshingly different and highly enjoyable, this is quality playing with Musici
    author: John Reid - Keith Community Radio - Scotland

    This is a terrific recording, full of rhythm, striking melodies, and played at a lively pace. The interweaving between the musicians with the well-timed improvisations is worthy of special praise. A good blend of styles is apparent and the fusion of them at various tempos is refreshingly different and highly enjoyable. Well written, arranged, and produced this is quality playing with Musicianship of the highest order. Full marks to all concerned.

  • Relations surges with a mesmerizing power and charms accordingly
    author: Jim Santella - All About Jazz

    ...Characterized by cohesive improvisation and filled with the spirit of hip-hop rhythms and a groove-based approach...Relations surges with a mesmerizing power and charms accordingly. Each...piece contains the kind of inner fire that characterizes Times 4 as a hot property that’s ready for bigger and better things.

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