Evolve

Album Notes\rEvolve is flutist, vocalist and songwriter Ragan Whiteside’s truly exciting and innovative sophomore CD. Fusing together the coolest elements of contemporary jazz, neo soul and funk, this award winning artist makes an aesthetic statement that marks her evolution as an undeniably talented musical force. \rOn Evolve, Ragan delivers a 12-track collection of funky grooves, layered with her mesmerizing flute compositions, sexy vocals, slow grooves and ultra-hip melodies. A follow up to her debut CD, Class Axe, which took the Smooth Jazz world by storm and caught the eyes and ears of the esteemed Capital Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in the country, the flutist’s latest disc showcases her edginess and creative prowess as a multi-talented artist. It also celebrates her emergence as a versatile and powerful writer, songstress and arranger who hails from Mount Vernon, NY. \rEvolve features more sultry lead vocals from Ragan, whose uncanny instrumental chops and fierce compositions transcend her first disc with this latest collection of original songs, live instrumentation and superb harmonies . \rRagan says Evolve reflects not just her personal growth but her creative metamorphosis as well. “Since Class Axe was my first introduction to the scene as a new artist, I needed to make a splash at radio,” she adds. “When my first CD was released, there weren't many flute tunes being played so it was extra important to stay inside the box. In the end, it grabbed the attention of radio and I eventually won the Capital Jazz New Artist Competition, which was really cool.” She also performed on the Capital Jazz Cruise later that year and shared the stage with such artists like Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson and more. \rSince her debut album, this award winning artist has developed a heightened focus in the writing, producing, and editing process of Evolve. “A lot has changed since then so now I'm able to open up and step outside of the box a little more,” says the native New Yorker, who recently moved South. \rUnder the direction of her highly acclaimed producers/arrangers, Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin, Ragan showcases her high energy and expansive musical abilities. Her versatility is heard throughout the CD on such sultry songs as Livin’ Lovin’ and Mean to Me which she co-wrote. In her up-tempo R&B duet, On the Dance Floor, she teams up with legendary vocalist Porter Carroll Jr. (original member of Atlantic Starr) and continues to craft her own unique style. \rTaking her refreshing and vibrant flute sounds to newer heights, Ragan has collaborated with an array of veteran contemporary jazz artists, including Chieli Minucci, Marion Meadows, Bob Baldwin, the afore mentioned Carroll and Chembo Corniel (Latin Jazz Grammy nominee). The featured guests add brilliance and extraordinary vibes to Evolve’s organic listening experience. Her remake of the Ohio Players’ 1975 hit, Sweet Sticky Thing, merges old-school funk with the flutist’s signature brand of “boom bap.” \rWith this widely anticipated recording, this soulfully carefree artist surfaces clearly, rising to the top of her generation of musicians. Fusing traditions, styles, and unafraid of pushing the envelope, Ragan’s crafty arrangements and edgy music transcends genre boundaries and marks a new era of contemporary jazz, neo soul and funk.