"On CONNECTED, Mark Etheredge deals powerfully with his past issues of feeling disconnected from humanity. The result is a heartfelt, socially conscious collection that uses the joy of music to cut across traditional human barriers. With a deep sense of groove and a compelling mix of lighthearted and deeply emotional melodies, the multi-talented performer creates a lively, diverse and lushly soulful celebration of human connection with world class musicianship – including dynamic interactions with guitarists Chuck Loeb and Paul Brown (the project’s Grammy winning producer) and saxman Andy Suzuki. In addition to clearly reflecting his influences David Benoit and Joe Sample, the veteran sideman complements his contemporary jazz vibe with Latin and bluesy excursions." ~Jonathan Widran, SmoothJazz.com Keyboardist and composer Mark Etheredge has just wrapped up “Connected” -- a new contemporary jazz album produced by two-time GRAMMY® winner Paul Brown. The album on Vipaka Records features ten originals composed by Etheredge including two in collaboration with featured guitarists Paul Brown and Chuck Loeb. In addition to drummer Gorden Campbell, bassist Roberto Vally and percussionist Richie Gajate Garcia, keyboardist Etheredge is joined by trumpeter Lee Thornburg and saxophonists Greg Vail and Andy Suzuki. The project was recorded at Big Surprise Music in Los Angeles. “Connected” will be released worldwide on Friday, February 26, 2016. This single, "Connected," is the title track of the upcoming album release. “Connected” denotes a return to instrumental music for Etheredge following 2012’s adult contemporary vocal session “Change Coming,” driven by “The One,” a single graced with backing vocals from dance music diva Jeanie Tracy that received international airplay. His debut date, “As Dawn,” was a New Age record released at the height of the genre’s commercial power and reissued in 2010. “Connected” is Etheredge’s first collection recorded in Los Angeles after relocating from the Bay Area two years ago, leaving a job in the tech space to fully devote himself to following his musical muse. “I realized I wanted to do something more meaningful, make a more positive impact on the world and share my passion for music,” explained Etheredge. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Etheredge has performed alongside notable artists such as Tom Politzer (Tower of Power), Danny Hull (Journey), Charlene Moore (Weather Girls), Jeanie Tracy (Two Tons of Fun), Charles Williams (Johnny Otis), Clifford Coulter (John Lee Hooker), Clare Fischer, Marsha Stevens, and more. His groups have opened for Bobby McFerrin, Sergio Mendes, Tuck and Patti, Betty Carter, Sheila Jordan, and numerous others. A portion of these notes were written by Rick Scott / Great Scott P.R.oductions.