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JAZZ SINGER-SONGWRITER ORI DAGAN TAKES ON THE DIGITAL ZEITGEIST ON HIS FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM CLICK RIGHT HERE

Is life online in the 21st century a blessing or a curse? One could make a case either way, but if you’re Toronto-based vocalist and songwriter Ori Dagan (@oridaganjazz), one thing is certain: there’s a great material to be mined for a lyric, something Dagan always delivers with a wry and agile sense of swing. Click Right Here, praised by John Devenish of JAZZ.FM91 as “fun, provocative, fancy-free and spirited,” and by journalist and author Jeanne Beker as “the perfect balance between modernity and nostalgia,” is Dagan’s first album of original material. It offers a joyful escape from, and timely reflection upon, a world spinning out of control. Themes include online dating, social media, technological troubles, and the quest for freedom and equality in a divided world.

Dagan’s right-hand man on Click Right Here, his fourth studio effort, is a guitarist and musical director Nathan Hiltz, whose crackling arrangements and brilliant solos bring the songs to life. Hiltz fronts a versatile eight-piece band comprised of some of Canada’s finest: pianist Attila Fias, bassist Alex Bellegarde, drummer Ben Wittman, tenor saxophonist Colleen Allen, alto saxophonist Alison Young, trombonist William Carn, and trumpeter Andrew McAnsh. They are featured to brilliant effect on the potent band vehicle “21st-Century Blues.” In addition to being Dagan’s first recording with horns, Click Right Here also includes his first male duet, a romp of a minor-key tune called “Going That Counts,” featuring Toronto rising-star vocalist Donovan Locke. Rapper Erik Flow cowrote the blistering opener “Viruses,” built around a prominent omitted expletive that lends the song a distinct rhythmic hiccup.

Five-time JUNO Award winner and three-time GRAMMY nominee Jane Bunnett, of Spirits of Havana fame, contributes scintillating flute on “Hashtag World” and soprano sax on “Viruses.” Four-time JUNO winner Simone Denny (Love Inc.) appears on a bonus cover: a relaxed and incisive interpretation of The Buggles’ 1979 smash hit “Video Killed the Radio Star,” the definitive earworm of earliest MTV. Rebecca Hennessy serves as guest arranger on the Buggles cover as well as an updated take on Dagan’s 2012 single “Googleable,” replete with virtuosic scat breaks and arch references (“Google Apps are the best, skeptics eventually clue in / who might have guessed, other than Marshall McLuhan”). The album was recorded by GRAMMY-nominated engineer Jeremy Darby at Canterbury Music Company and co-produced by Macedonian multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer Davor Jordanovski.

Dagan’s previous recordings, S’Cat Got My Tongue (2009) and Less Than Three <3 (2012), solidified his forward-thinking artistic voice. In 2017, with the support of over 200 crowdfunding contributors, he created the visual album Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, a first of its kind in the jazz genre — a collection of 12 music videos that won critical acclaim and recognition at film festivals worldwide, as well as an official showcase at SXSW.

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Dagan’s rich bass-baritone is unmistakable; his irreverent songcraft speaks to the lineage of Nat Cole novelty numbers and the impeccably swinging humor of the late Bob Dorough and Dave Frishberg. His scat singing has the natural, fluid, bop-inflected feel of the best in that idiom. Click Right Here, his most ambitious project to date, is sure to take him to new destinations, onstage and online.

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Tsu Surf Sparks Hope from Behind Bars With A Bold Promise of Return

Honk Magazine

In a message that brought hope throughout the hip-hop community, Tsu Surf shared an inspiring update from prison that felt more like a glimpse into his heart than a typical social media post. Recently, Surf made a statement on his Instagram featuring a billboard that promotes Mozzy’s new album, “Intrusive Thoughts.” While the billboard is dedicated to Mozzy, its message resonates, “This message is brought to you by Mozzy. Free Surf.” Surf also wrote a powerful caption: “FREE ME TIL ITS BACCWARDS. BE HOME IN A SECOND. DON’T BLINK.”

For those who’ve been following Surf’s journey, his triumphs, struggles, and legal issues, these words carry a special weight. After pleading guilty in April 2023 to some serious charges related to conspiracy and firearms, Surf was sentenced to five years in prison. This could have been a much worse situation; he was facing up to 30 years. So, when the judge announced the sentence, it felt like a relief to his devoted fans. Since then, things have been quiet on his front, but this new post breaks that silence not with specifics but with energy and hope. Surf’s statement uses the kind of expressive language his fans understand. When he says, “Be home in a second,” he’s suggesting that early release could be possible, even if he doesn’t provide exact details.

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The fact that Mozzy, a respected rapper in his own right, strengthened Surf’s message shows a deep bond that goes beyond music. It’s about support and hope for the future. In a world where public backing can quickly fade, Surf’s impact still shines brightly. This moment doesn’t signal his return just yet, but it hints that the countdown to his release might be starting. While Tsu Surf may be physically locked away, his spirit remains alive and active. And if his words indicate, he could be back sooner than anyone thinks.

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Kanye West’s Heartfelt Plea to Bianca Censori Hits the Airwaves as the Couple Reunites in Spain

Honk Magazine

Kanye West has just released a new song named after his wife, Bianca Censori, and it’s getting a lot of attention. The track is a part of his upcoming album, WW3, and it dives into the complex feelings surrounding their relationship, especially after some public struggles they’ve faced. In the song, Kanye shares his deep feelings of regret after their recent fallout, giving listeners a personal look into his life. The lyrics are a direct appeal to Bianca, as he asks for her forgiveness, saying things like, “Bianca, I just want you to come back.” He acknowledges how his famous rants on social media may have contributed to their challenges.

The song reveals a lot of emotional turmoil, including instances where Bianca has tried to help him and even experienced a panic attack because of his online behavior. Many listeners have resonated with the song, feeling empathy for both Kanye and Bianca as they deal with the aftermath of their breakup. When the song came out, there was a lot of speculation about whether they were really apart or if it was just a reflection of their past troubles. The mystery grew when Kanye’s lyrics hinted at a temporary separation. However, they were recently spotted together enjoying dinner at an Indian restaurant in Spain, suggesting they may have reconciled.

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This public outing shows that they are working through their issues despite their rocky times. Their dinner together sends a strong message that their relationship is still going strong despite the challenges and public attention. Kanye’s ability to mix his personal struggles with his music continues to Captivate audiences, and this new song is no different. With WW3 on the way, many are eager to see how his emotional journey unfolds, both in his life and through his music.

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