Artist : Jeff Lorber
Album Name : State Of Grace
Genre : Jazz/fusion, Smooth Jazz
Label : Polygram Records
Release Date : 1996

Track Listings :

1. Wide Open Space (4:37)
2. PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) (4:09)
3. State Of Grace (4:03)
4. Bring It On (4:10)
5. Cat Paws (4:45)
6. Katherine (4:42)
7. Hearts On Fire (4:38)
8. Moon Terrace (4:12)
9. Island of Temples (5:30)
10. Deep Ellum (4:18)

"Delving deep as ever into the retro, vibin, chillin' atmospheres is veteran keyboard funkateer Jeff Lorber, who was actually around playing and helping create the fusion style of jazz in the first place. On the cool explosions of State of Grace (Verve Forecast), one of pop fusion's early forebears shuns the synthesizer effects and again pulls out his healthy, well-traveled rack of simmering memories -- the Fender Rhodes, Hammond B-3, Hohner Clavinet, Wurlitzer electric piano, Mini-Moog, and, in keeping with the eloquence promised in the album title, the Steinway M grand piano. The result is a mostly hypnotic, marvelously organic ride through territory that is all at once familiar and uncharted. Percussive melodies are still the key to Lorber's West Side Stories, but this time he complements his trademark soul with the spiritual flute flutterings of Gary Meek, in addition to all-star contributions by Art Porter and Dave Koz. Koz and Lorber's recent trip to Indonesia for a songwriting symposium with Asian composers led to the most intriguing tune here, the mysterious and exotic "The Island of Temples." What luck that just as a guy like Lorber decides he never wants to leave the '70s, the mystical Me Decade is suddenly back, welcoming his likes again with open arms."

Jonathan Widran
Courtesy All Music

A contrast in climates and Baja California landscapes only compares with the ethnic mix inspired by cultures that have lived in its territory. Offers of sea, desert, forest, mountains and plains; both weak and hostile people more diverse sources found home, making the culinary art a succulent expression of their identity and love for their land.

From the origin of man on the peninsula, the waters which surround these coastlines have provided much of the ingredients that make up the typical cuisine of the State. As they come into contact with influences of the Centre and South of the country, evolve in masterpieces such as the new port lobster, chorizo abalone, Smoked clams and battered fish tacos to mention just a few. Evidence of this vocation by sea and fishing ports color is the many seafood restaurants and markets, especially when occasion arises for some event or food festival. Flavors of the old world, also indispensable in the gastronomic panorama of Baja California, arrived with missionaries who brought with them seed which today fill of olive trees and vines valleys of the region. Excellent table wines table, tanned olives, olive oils, jams and artisanal cheeses are some products introduced by Europeans, who accompanied by the delights of the surrounding sea gave rise to BajaMed, synthesis of Mediterranean cuisine with a colorful and spicy touch to this area’s Mexican cuisine.

Fruitful and heterodox, this vanguard Cuisine consistently evolves day to day, enriching with products of valleys and coast of Baja California, vegetables thumbnail, Mussel, lobster and tuna, all with export quality.

The cosmopolitan nature of border life in Tijuana and Mexicali cities raised in turn the birth of world famous Caesar salad and clamato cocktail respectively. Without forgetting the Chinese food of Mexicali, Chinese cultural legacy of immigrants of the last century, which today is an essential part of the local gastronomy of the State Capital.

Ensenada, for its part, is proud to be the place of origin of the popular Margarita cocktail, a drink which became an attractive in this beach destination. Nearby here in the Valley of Guadalupe, as ephemeral relics last Russian recipes inherited by settlers molo kanes of early 20th century, whose memory remains in breads, dressings, wines, vinaigrettes, turnovers, stews of beef and lamb that can be purchased at restaurants in the area.

From bustling Tijuana to the quiet town of Tecate and also in Mexicali, the taste for barley has an irresistible seduction in Tijuana, Tecate, Mexicali, Cucapá beers. The secret of each ingredient is pristine water which springs from the Northern sierras springs.

When passing thru Tecate try the typical Mexican sweet bread, cooked traditional manner in brick kilns supplied with firewood. While southward, by way of Sea of Cortés, blue shrimp in San Felipe can be headliners on your table. Seasoned with history, effort, and the creative talents of its inhabitants in each tested by this gastronomic path, you can be sure that the richest of Baja California, will pamper your palate and remain forever in your heart.

source: http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com/baja-gastronomy.php

     So what's Jazz? (From Wikipedia) "Jazz is a music genre that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th century American popular music. Its West African pedigree is evident in its use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopation, and the swung note."


    So now we've already known that jazz is a fusion of African and European music. But do you know the origin of jazz music? It began in 1808 when half of million African were moved to United States by Atlantic slave trade. The slaves largely came from West Africa and brought strong tribal music traditions with them. The African tradition made use of a single-line melody and call-and-response pattern, but without the European concept of harmony. Rhythms reflected African speech patterns, and the African use of pentatonic scales led to blue notes in blues and jazz. 

    Musical instruments that is commonly used in jazz music are saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, double bass, vibraphone and drums. But nowadays musicians could play jazz music with other instruments. Such as harmonica, flute, electric bass, synthesizer and even traditional musical instruments. 

    There are many of jazz subgenres and fusion genres. The popular jazz subgenres are Swing, Bebop, Avant-garde Jazz, Big Band and Latin Jazz. Fusion genres of jazz are Acid Jazz, Bossa Nova, Smooth Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Soul Jazz, Funk, Hard bop, Nu Jazz, Crossover Jazz etc.

Hi! Just want to share one of my favorite album. Here it is...

Artist : Bob James
Album Name :  Restoration: The Best Of Bob James
Genre : Smooth Jazz
Label :  Warner Bros / Wea
Release Date : 2001
Number of Discs : 2
Track Listings :

CD1
1. Feel Like Making Love (5:04)
2. Nautilus (5:05)
3. Farandole (L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2) [Edit] (5:45)
4. Westchester Lady (7:25)
5. Storm King (6:33)
6. Tappan Zee (6:48)
7. Night Crawler (6:18)
8. Angela (Theme from Taxi) (5:43)
9. Touchdown (5:39)
10. Kari [Edit] (5:00)
11. Snowbird Fantasy (7:05)
12. Shamboozie (5:19)
13. Brighton by the Sea [Remix '01] (5:00)

CD2
1. Maputo [Edit] (4:34)
2. Ashanti (5:59)
3. Restoration (5:46)
4. Bare Bones (4:46)
5. Movin' On (5:03)
6. Lotus Leaves (5:59)
7. Restless (4:32)
8. Storm Warning (4:06)
9. Kickin' Back (6:00)
10. Hockney (6:10)
11. The River Returns (5:37)
12. Mind Games (4:37)
13. Raise the Roof (4:53)
14. Joy Ride (4:39)
15. Dancing on the Water (4:57)

Just testing, no other meanings, just nothing.