Music - Album "Excellent Distraction"

REVIEWS OF THIS ALBUM

This album is a vibrant mix of emotionally charged jazz instrumentals, covers, and some of Stiebel's originals. Not only is he a well known band leader himself, but the disc was produced by Grammy nominated Bob Dawson and mastered by Grammy winner Ted Jensen. Read the full article in PDF format by clicking here.

—www.radioindy.com

The title song "Excellent Distraction" shows a sophisticated melody with Miles on violin in best form. Excellent relaxation could be an alternative title. Read the full article in PDF format by clicking here.

—www.smooth-jazz.de

This ["Dance with Me"] is simply a load of fun, just like the original tune. Read the full article in PDF format by clicking here.

—Mark Saleski, Jazz.com

While smooth jazz has never embraced even such violinists as Jean-Luc Ponty, don't overlook Miles Stiebel's rollicking cover of "Sir Duke" (MSE). I suspect you could be pleasantly surprised, as the track's as tight as a clenched fist... Read the full article in PDF format by clicking here.

—Carol Archer, RadioandRecords.com R&R Going For Adds

"Excellent Distraction" takes jazz music into contemporary times offering a classic spellbinding elegance and ebullient streaks which audiences today find titillating and welcoming on their senses. Read the full article in PDF format by clicking here.

—Susan Frances, JazzReview.com

After Stiebel intones his soulful, infectious theme, he delivers an exhilarating solo with a piercing tone and expressive phrasing. Read the full article in PDF format by clicking here.

—Scott Albin, Jazz.com

For all reviews, please visit the Reviews Page.

CREDITS

Miles Stiebel - violin, electric violin
Gerry Kunkel - acoustic and electric guitars
Pete BarenBregge - tenor, soprano, alto, baritone (featured on “Green Light Flashing”) saxophones
Dan Reynolds - piano, synthesizer
Steve Fidyk - drums
Mark Russell - electric bass
Sam Turner - percussion
Bob Dawson - additional percussion
Kevin Burns - trumpet, flugel horn
Mike Crotty - trumpet, flugel horn
Doug Morgan - baritone saxophone
Ben Patterson - trombone
violin: Claudia Chudacoff, Erica Sato, Chris Franke, Sheng-Tsung Wang, Henry Tyszler, Luke Wedge
viola: Christopher Shieh, Tam Tran
cello: Diana Fish, Charlie Powers

Produced by Bob Dawson & Miles Stiebel
Recorded & Mixed by Bob Dawson at Bias Studios, Springfield, VA
Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, New York, NY

All songs composed by Miles Stiebel (BMI) except: "Sir Duke" – Stevie Wonder (BMI) Johanan vigoda Admin. Act. Stevie Wonder Catalogue, Jobette Music Co. Inc., Black Bull Music Inc.; "Dance With Me" – John Hall (BMI) & Johanna Hall (BMI) EMI Blackwood Music Inc. OBO Siren Songs; "Laughter" – Miles Stiebel; & Gerry Kunkel (BMI); "Six Degrees Above Normal" – Miles Stiebel & Gerry Kunkel BMI)

All songs arranged by Miles Stiebel & Gerry Kunkel except: "Laughter" – Miles Stiebel, Gerry Kunkel & Mike Crotty; "Excellent Distraction" – Miles Stiebel & Dan Reynolds; Horn & String Arrangements – Mike Crotty

Album Design by Dan Schuman at Lawrence Marie
Manufactured by Oasis Disc Manufacturing

© 2009 Miles Stiebel (BMI)