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GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH | First Name Basis | Wind Tunnel Media

Isn't it time that we get to know this compelling musician on a first name basis? His work is on the same par as other trumpeters you’ve come to love in the Smooth Jazz genre...  Chris Botti, Rick Braun, Greg Adams. Gabriel, as we’ve been asked to call him, is a world-class multi-instrumentalist specializing in trumpet, flute, flugelhorn and EWI (electronic wind instrument).  For years, he’s been one of Canada’s premier jazz musicians and over the past year or so we’ve come to know Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, his music as become the #1 downloaded artist on Smoothjazz.com appealing to our listeners all over the globe. It is our hope that the new CD, GABRIEL... FIRST NAME BASIS finds a home at Smooth Jazz radio as it’s more than qualified with songs that offer fun and interesting hooks, solid craftsmanship and articulate performances. The first single, the upbeat, “Take That!” is a favorite and sets the tone for this smooth and layered project. I think you’ll love the cool cover of “Been Around The World,” with vocals handled by Dee Daniels. Other songs that stand out to us are the sparkling, “TheLook In Your Eyes,” the sweet and sultry, “Comfort Zone,” and the world-influenced, “Tempting Fate.” Get to know Gabriel Mark Hasselbach on a first name basis with this cool new project – It’s a totally in the pocket, Smooth Jazz slam-dunk! ~Sandy Shore 

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GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH | Swingin' Affair | Wind Tunnel Media

Canadian jazz aficionado and top brass instrumentalist Gabriel Mark Hasselbach loves to come out swinging with two releases at once; Smooth Jazz in one hand and mainstream jazz in the other. His latest jazz foray is SWINGIN’ AFFAIR featuring the Jazz Perpetrators with guests, internationally known vocalists Dee Daniels and Nancy Ruth. Like an athlete adept at both football and baseball, GMH is on his game with SWINGIN’ AFFAIR. A tasty trip to tradition with songs that will melt the winter snow with stylish standards like Horace Silver ’ “Senor Blues,” Paul Desmond’s “Easy Living” and the perennial classic, “Moonlight In Vermont.” The song selection, according to Hasselbach, is “a collection of classic but underexposed mainstream gems.” The multi-talented musician is featured on trumpet, flute, flugelhorn, alto flute, valve bone, ewi and vocals on this SWINGIN’ AFFAIR. Backing him up are the Jazz Perpetrators. The ever popular Hasselbach is currently one of the most downloaded recordings artists on Smoothjazz.com, is a 2005 Smoothjazz.com Smoothie Award recipient for top CD sales during 2004 and he’s up for a Canadian Smooth Jazz Award, nominated for Wind Instrumentalist of the year. Blow, Gabriel, blow! ~Sandy Shore

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GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH | Gabriel's Horns | Wind Tunnel Multimedia

Smooth... Sweet... Sultry... That's the way Gabriel's horns sound. Critics are calling Gabriel Mark Hasselbach Canada's best kept secret in music. Others are claiming that his talents deserve much broader recognition. We agree! And that's why we're so happy to be introducing Smoothjazz.com's global audience to this impeccable and versatile recording artist. In an unprecedented move, the ambitious Hasselbach has released two CDs at once (see following review for COME OUT SWINGIN'). GABRIEL'S HORNS showcase his smooth jazz prowess and is loaded with material that is sure-fire format hits including the title track, "Gabriel's Horns", the moody, "Maui Rain", and the beautiful "Uber Smooth" with it's soulful, relaxed 1970's vibe. Other favorites include the cinematic "View From The Shore", the sunny "Turn On To Summer" (the album even features an instrumental and a vocal version of this tune featuring Christine Duncan) and a slick, sassy cover of "Chain of Fools". GMH chooses his tools wisely... He plays trumpet and flugelhorn, plus trombone and flute. His artful arsenal has me floating back to "the day", when Tim Weisberg was a twin son, and when Strawberry Letter 23 was open for all to read. GABRIEL'S HORNS has a long shelf life, you will not be taking this one out of the CD player anytime soon. ~Sandy Shore

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GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH | Come Out Swingin' | Wind Tunnel Multimedia

This is a rich, fantastic jazz album featuring the seductive horns of Gabriel Mark Hasselbach. The setting: Acoustic jazz piano (Miles Black), jazz bass (Miles Foxx Hill), jazz drums (Craig Scott) and guest vocalist Michael Buble who is featured nicely on the Cole Porter penned, "I've Got You Under My Skin". The 'Wow Factor' is pretty high on this CD. We're blown away by the GMH's originals, including the west coast jazz & bop of "Blue Miles" and the lush and sophisticated "Underground Vibe". The artist's choice of covers is truly inspired. Several Cole Porter compositions are featured on COME OUT SWINGIN' including the above mentioned, but also, "I Love Paris" and "I Love You". Both of these are a solid tribute to the late composer. Also covered on this stellar recording, "Lullaby of Birdland", "Round Midnight", and Jon Hendricks and Harry Edison's "Centerpiece". While the project is indeed sophisticated and perhaps meatier than GABRIEL'S HORNS, smooth jazz fans should not be afraid to add this wonderfully crafted album to their collection. Gone are the days when smooth jazz and "jazz" fans sit in separate rooms. Perfect for a Sunday morning or a broody winter's night. ~Sandy Shore