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"No Matter What
It's always been a family affair with ThreeStyle and on this latest album, No Matter What, the family fun has become four-told! A fantastic four-some. Four-midable and four-tunate for lovers of smooth groove because the "three" have now become FOUR!
Magdalena Chovancova, born in the Czech Republic, started on piano at 6 and later went on to master sax and flute. Her twin sister Gabriela lends her considerable talents to drums and vibraphone. And Germany's Robert Fertl, who is also Magdalena's husband, rounds out the threesome (can you round a triangle?) on guitar, bass and trumpet. For many years now this talented trio has been a mainstay at smooth groove radio, winning awards, finding their original music on the silver screen and touring successfully all over the world.
Robert explains, "ThreeStyle won so many awards - Hollywood Music, Global Music Awards and we hit Number 1 on Billboard, SJNT top 20 and Groove Jazz charts. We have travelled all over the world making music. We are so humbled that our big dreams came true and that, over the years, we collaborated with our musical heroes and best cats on this planet, like Jimmy Haslip, Mack (Queen, E.L.O.) and Paul Brown ... that means so much to us."
So now ... who is the fourth? Enter vocalist Damon Dae, now a frequent and most welcome collaborator with the "family." With his sultry tenor in the mix, you might melt, you might sweat and you might kick up your heels but one thing is certain - you will feel every note in your bones.
From the grooving title track right on down the line, No Matter What serves up a divinely soulful feast. Special To Me ... well okay ... turn down those lights and prepare yourself for a sexy slow jam. Robert's funky guitar highlights, "No Looking Back". Magdalena's sax is sensual personified on, "Be With You". "It's a Jam Tonight", is just that - put on those dancing shoes and groove on to Gabriela's delicious drums.
With Robert and Magdalena now making their home in Croatia, Threestyle has certainly become an international affair, chock full of all the fabulous flavours you would devour at an international buffet! Who could have four-told that, four-tified with Damon's velvety vocals, No Matter What brings the group to a new level of smooth - a four-tuitous turn of events four (yes, I did that on purpose) music fans everywhere.
Well done, ThreeStyle family ... and four-ward we go! "
- Vickie van Dyke - Midday Host - WAVE.FM , Vancouver - (April 2024)
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"Threestyle is a contemporary smooth jazz band known for their unique blend of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop influences. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, soulful grooves, and intricate harmonies. The Munich-based formation has also made a name for itself on the Internet. Even in these times, when musicians are finding it difficult to assert themselves with their music, the group has released their new album No Matter What (2024).
The album is featuring Robert Fertl on guitars & production, twin sisters Magdalena (saxes, keys) and Gabriela Chovancova (drums), Damon Dae (vocals), James L. Manning (bass) and Lew Laing (keys). All songs were written by Magdalena Chovancova, Robert Fertl, Damon Dae and James L. Manning.
The album opens with No Matter What, a song that singer Damon Dae has put his stamp on. Stylistically, the title song can easily be categorized as R&B. Love Of My Life is a theme that has been explored by singers from Freddie Mercury to Céline Dione. Damon Dae finds his own interpretation, which Threestyle also sets in the right instrumental framework.
Damon has written all lyrics of this album and the themes are mostly about love. This is how Damon describes his special love in Special To Me.
The album comprises a total of 12 songs. All the tracks are R&B with the exception of the radio-edited version of the title track, which can be classified as smooth jazz.
Both instrumentally and vocally, the album is of a high standard and confirms Threestyle's strong development. No Matter What's overall concept, however, focuses more on the R&B community."
- Smooth Jazz - First View - (February 14, 2024)
"No Matter What Threestyle presents a brand new album No Matter What feat. Damon Dae vocals, Magdalena Chovancova Saxophone, Robert Fertl Guitar and Producer, Gabriela From its divinely soulful, melodic and grooving core, award-winning #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz charting group ThreeStyle presents its new powerful and energetic Album "No Matter What“.
Soulful and funky, groovy and strong minded, this song lets you stay in tune with yourself be yourself be your best self No Matter What. Featuring Robert Fertl on guitars & production, twin sisters Magdalena (saxes, keys) and Gabriela (drums), Damon Dae’s amazing vocals, James L. Manning’s bass grooves and Lew Laing on keys.
Be sure not to miss the ThreeStyle Jazz Radio Show featuring Smooth Jazz favorites. No matter what video. Worldwide Radio Promotion. Recorded at Auratone Studios Munich, Damon Dae Los Angeles. Mastering at Auratone Studios. Press Foto by Martin Bucek Czech Republic.
Get the album on all streaming platforms."
- smoothjazzdaily.wordpress.com - (February 6, 2024)
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"From its divinely soulful, melodic and grooving core, award-winning #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz charting group ThreeStyle presents its new powerful and energetic single “No Matter What.” Soulful and funky, groovy and strongminded, this song lets you stay in tune with yourself, be yourself, be your best self – no matter what. Featuring Robert Fertl on guitars & production, twin sisters Magdalena (saxes, keys) and Gabriela (drums), Damon Dae’s amazing vocals, James L. Manning’s bass grooves and Lew Laing on keys."
- New World 'n' Jazz - NewWorldJazz.com - (January 8, 2024)
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"I have been following the German band Threestyle feat. Magdalena Chovancova for years with their mixture of smooth jazz, Latin, soul, funk and R&B. They have 11 solo albums to their name, more than 400 singles and have reached the top of the US SmoothJazzNetwork Top 20, the US Groovejazzcharts, and the Wave.fm Charts. In addition, they won the Global Music Awards, Hollywood Music In Media Awards, LIT Award and Akademia Music Awards. Threestyle has already performed on stages in South Africa, South America, Asia, USA, Australia and Europe (Jazz Club Hollywood, Perfect Note Birmingham, Seal Beach-Spaghettini, Seabreeze Jazz Festival -Panama City Beach, Shiraz Jazz Festival, China (Expo Shanghai)). They also have their own syndicated radio show, which airs on 10 radio stations in the US and internationally. Their latest EP is dedicated to Christmas, and Damon Dae said: “This is not just a song for the holidays and New Year but a little message from me to you, inspired by my own experience: As you enjoy the holiday season and celebrate the New Year, remember to take a break, reflect, re-energize ... and then go the extra mile! I think we all need this to help us move forward.”
Magdalena Chovancova plays sax, Robert Fertl guitar (and production), James L. Manning bass, Gabriela Chovancova Konrad drums, and Damon Dae sings.
That EP opens with the title track, followed by 'Come on in for Christmas'. 'Fly High' will be available in a special Christmas version. 'Our Christmas' comes next. 'Thank God it's Christmas' is a cover by Queen, and it is available in 2 versions. The first is the instrumental version, and the second the sung version.
A fun Christmas EP that evokes the spirit of the holidays."
- Cultuurmania - Patrick Van de Wiele - (November 2023)
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"Although at home in Munich Threestyle has meanwhile the status of an international formation. Formed by saxophonist Magdalena Chovancova and guitarist Robert Fertl this musical diamond is worth listening to in any case.
For the new project both could win the following musicians: James L. Manning (bass), Lew Laing (keyboards), Gabriela Konrad (drums, percussion), Damon Dae (vocals), Tim Owens (vocals), Latonya Black Gilliard (vocals), DW3 (vocals), Ashley Sankey (vocals), Elvis Stanic (guitar) and Robert Vally (bass). From the lineup, it's easy to see that this album has its focus in the vocal realm.
The team has made a point of working out the pieces with the musicians involved. The album opens with Living In This House presenting singer Damon Dae. Dae is the featured vocalist on a total of six tracks, so it's fair to think of him as the main performer on this album. His smoky tenor voice is distinct and puts the album's emphasis on soul and R&B.
As on Just Us, Threestyle sets the instrumental framework in an extremely professional manner while Dae supports his own voice in the chorus in an overdub process. Magdalena has the opportunity to shine with short solos on her sax.
Vocalist Ashley Sankey brings variety to the mix with Hold On To Me. She is known for the R&B album Welcome to E~land from 2018. Hey Love reminds me of Frankey Beverly's Maze with whom Dae shares a pronounced radiance.
Of course, the theme of relationships and love can't be missing in this genre. Call Me tackles this subject with a great deal of emotionality. On If I Could Dae takes on the role of a crooner, accompanied by soft soprano sax and strings, delivering his message of love.
The title song calls for change and thus connecting the hope for Better Days. Everyone attaches a different idea to these words, but the music connects them all. Say A Prayer expresses gratitude that conditions are as they are. Be it a good relationship, the health or the personal security of the partner.
Come to me presents the different timbre of singer Tim "Tio" Owens. He also worked with guitarist U-Nam on the George Benson tribute album Weekend In LA and toured the world with the Al McKay Allstar's "Earth, Wind & Fire Experience" as lead vocalist.
No One Else Would Ever Do features the famous vocal trio DW3. The song sounds so professionally that I assumed it could be the cover of a megahit. This song was previously released on Threestyle's album Perfect Combination (2021).
Lovin On Next To Nothin is interpreted by vocalist Latonya Black Gilliard. No stranger to friends of the group Threestyle. Already in 2017 we could admire her on the album Smooth Ride with the songs Let's Stay Together (an Al Green cover) and Like butta.
Keep It Simple is Damon Dae's final advice for the relationship. Like Butta Baby, here it comes, the second edition of Latonya's song, known by Smooth Ride. The album closes with Time To Shine showcasing Robert Fertl and Elvis Stanic both on guitars spreading some George Benson feelings.
Threestyle offers Soul, R&B and smooth jazz on the album Better Days. A reinterpretation of the band's name. And what's even better, you can hear all the singers not only on the album, but meet them in person on Threestyle's next tour. What more could you want?"
- Starportrait - (April 2022)
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"Munich based formation Threestyle is one of the admirable formations that have improved from one album to the next, ultimately reaching world level. Perfect Combination is the absolutely fitting title for their latest work, which will be released at the end of April 2021.
Saxophonist Magdalena Chovancova, guitarist Robert Fertl and drummer Gabriela Chovancova are Threestyle and invite brilliant singer Damon Dae, the amazing singer Latonya Black, the wonderful vocal trio DW3 and the great singer Tim Owens, who we already had the pleasure to present in connection to many albums of guitarist U-Nam.
The album opens with Steppin' Up with which our protagonists Magdalena and Robert rise to true greatness. A song always lives from the timbre of its performer. On Keep It Simple vocalist Damon Dae showcases his impressive voice in a beautiful setting.
Giant is Threestyle's very own presentation with hipness in a sonic journey. Lovin on Next to Nothin is the product of a fruitful collaboration with singer and composer Latonya Black. Latonya is a power-house vocalist with a musical theatre background and also an author of non-fiction books. The horn-infected Beat offers a Tower-of-Power-infused perfect storm.
With Prime Time Threestyle has built a memorable melody which could nestle in the front of the hit parade. No One Else Would Ever Do features the famous vocal trio DW3. The song sounds so professionally that I assumed it could be the cover of a megahit.
Smoothies is the aptly title of a sweet melody carried by sax and guitar in the sense of a sonic spirit. Come 2 Me is a group effort between Threestyle and Tim Owens, who also perfectly performs the song in a breathtaking way. One cannot find a better amalgamation of sax and vocals.
On the title track the group plays with sounds especially in the style of a scat song. The album concludes with the song Vision. Robert cites with his guitar the styles of George Benson, Carlos Santana and Dire Straits. Simply irresistible.
Threestyle's Perfect Combination has all ingredients to become the pick of the litter of new releases in 2021. What an amazing evolution."
- smoothjazzdaily.wordpress.com (April 21,2021)
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“Damon Dae is an excellent soul singer, and it's obvious by the passion in his voice that he has real church singing experience, too. These 4 tracks are well produced, and consistently put Dae’s voice front and center.
The opening percussion of, My Beautiful One, brings some of those seminal Marvin Gaye recordings to mind. Dae, however, is a smoother, more restrained singer than Gaye. Ah, but this one is sweet.
The piano work of, Let Me Be the One, is one of the recordings finer elements, but it’s the layered backing vocals that really make it stand out. They’re so good in fact they may make you of yesteryear’s best, such as The Stylistics.
Dae knows how to work a ballad, but he’s also comfortable with more upbeat fare, such as, World Smile, where he states, “How I love to see you smile." This one also sports excellent backup vocals. Even when the arrangements are stripped down considerably, Dae stands out. Such is the case with, Come Home, which is a sincere and convincing plea for reconciliation.”
- Dan Macintosh, Indie Music Review (Jun 23, 2009)
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“Song: Let Me Be The One- CD: Angel Wishes Soundtrack- Great voice, great song, terrific production, slow but grooving!"
- Indie Music, Indie Music (Feb 24, 2009)
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“Hey! I love your song Beautiful One. You're one of the few reasons I joined this site, good music with meaning. Keep it up!”
- Randomsage, Indie Music (May 02, 2009)
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“'Someone' features the vocals of Damon Dae and has a catchy melody. Add in the bass of Alex Al and touches of Bautista’s trumpet to go with Simpson’s electric guitar and you have a real show stopper,”
“An amazing performance by the "The Blue Kind" Saturday 21 JAN in Santa Monica. Everyone has got to see this band live! Very well-rehearsed and tight! Dueling lead blues guitars phenomenal! Sonically crisp and flawless. After two days at NAMM "The Blue Kind" is what great American Music is all about! Congratulations!"
- rfisher2012, ifishimage (Jan 23, 2012)
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"The listener is not disappointed, with ´Send for Me´, slowing things down to a sultry slow groove before ´You´re the Only One´ brings us back with a steady jolt. This song has Aysha teaming up with Damon Dae and the influences of the likes of Michael McDonald and James Ingram on him are not lost but his voice and his style are truly his own."
- Rob Seddon, ~(A quote from a wonderful review of Aysha's 'Take Me Higher' CD), iTunes, UK
(May 12, 2015)