BLUE NOTE STUDIO REPORT: FEB 2006

New York, NY. (Blue Note Records) - Patricia Barber is set to embark on her second album since being signed directly to Blue Note. Following up her live in France recorded jaunt, Barber is documenting an ambitious suite, three years in the making, entitled 'Mythologies'. The extended work is inspired by Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' and contains a single song about each of the 11 greek mythological characters in the work. The pieces will feature her working quartet along with guest appearance by Joe Locke on vibes, a full choir, and three children rapping! Barber is recording in Chicago.

Don Byron recorded his latest studio adventure this past December. This time around Byron approached the music of legendary bluesman Junior Walker. The date featured vocalist Dean Bowman, guitarist David Gilmore, George Colligan on organ, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Rodney Holmes. Very special guest vocalist/actor Chris Thomas King ('O Brother Where Art Thou?', 'Ray') joined the line up on a few select cuts.

Joe Lovano recorded his latest installment for Blue Note this past December. The date consisted, in part, of a re-exploration of Miles Davis' 'Birth of the Cool' album orchestrated by the legendary Gunther Schuller. This recording features Lovano's Nonet plus a larger orchestrated group and reunites Lovano and Schuller for the first time on record since their modern classic 'Rush Hour'.

Wynton Marsalis will go into the studio soon to record his fourth release for Blue Note. This time around Wynton will be documenting an extend work still in progress entitled 'From the Plantation to the Penitentiary'. The musicians have not been confirmed yet but will most likely be a quartet or quintet joined young chanteuse Jennifer Sanon on vocals. Delfeayo Marsalis will produce the affair.

Amos Lee is currently in pre-production on his sophomore release and will be entering the studio in february.