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Brian Torff Group’s new album, “Southern Exposure,” a great departure.
A JAZZ VETERAN TURNS AMERICANA SINGER-SONGWRITER
Release date: February 13, 2026, on all streaming platforms (self-release)
Guilford, Connecticut
Brian Torff is a renowned jazz bassist who has played with Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Oliver Nelson, Stephane Grappelli and Mary Lou Williams. His artistic turnabout is revealed on the Brian Torff Group’s new album, “Southern Exposure.” Brian Torff Group- Southern Exposure. The Chicago-born Torff looks to the Deep South for his influences which feature his songwriting, guitar, and harmonica work in an unusual context featuring two tenor saxophones (Wes Lewis and Nathan Edwards) and drums, (Avery Collins). The album is a unique twist on Americana, whereby a bluesy vocal gives way to a jazz saxophone shout chorus, mixing with soulful harmonica and a driving roadhouse beat. It conjures Mose Allison meeting the Count Basie Orchestra in the Mississippi Delta. A Professor of Music at Fairfield University and an author of two books on American popular music, Brian Torff’s music and Civil Rights road trips to the South are featured in the band’s live performances. https://www.briantorff.com/s/Brian-epk.pdf
Torff’s original songs include ‘Good Trouble’, portraying his walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. “Bought His Tobacco Here’ was inspired by his visit to the grave of the blues phantom Robert Johnson outside Money, Mississippi. The Brian Torff Group’s tight arrangements allowed them to record the tracks in one or two takes at the Fairfield University Media Center in Fairfield, CT. “I believe in a live sound that captures a feeling, as if the listener is standing right in front of the band,” said Torff.
‘Southern Exposure’ by the Brian Torff Group represents a dramatic turn in Torff’s plus fifty-year career. Brian Torff may be contacted for interviews, reviews or features on his email address (briantorffbooking@gmail.com) and his website-www.briantorff.com. Thank you for your consideration.
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Brian Q. Torff
203-521-7400
Brian Q. Torff is a bassist, composer, author and educator. Currently, he is Professor of Music and Music Program Director at Fairfield University. Torff has performed with George Shearing, Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Stephane Grappelli, Marian McPartland, Oliver Nelson, Mary Lou Williams, the Django Reinhart All-Stars, Tony Bennett, Cleo Laine and the Thad Jones- Mel Lewis Orchestra. He is the Musical Director and arranger for New Duke, an eight-piece horn band that was featured on the national CBS television special, “Christmas Eve at Fairfield University.” In 1992, he served as co-chairperson for the Music Advisory Board for the National Endowment for the Arts and in 2008, Torff was named Artist of the Year by the Fairfield, Connecticut Arts Council. In early 2008, Brian Torff lived in Paris where he wrote In Love with Voices: A Jazz Memoir.
Brian Torff’s current book, Seize the Beat: The Evolution of American Popular Music, published by McFarland & Co, was written from Torff’s many research trips to the Deep South. The book and his subsequent presentations deal with race and music in America. He tours with the Brian Torff Group which draws musical and social influences from Torff’s Southern travels.
DPB
McKenna Faith Winters!
Written By: McKenna Faith Winters, Cedric Israel, Megan Kelley, Carly Zimmerman
Produced By: Cedric Israel
Mastered By: Jamie Tate
New Single from the album How Do You Miss Me
Rising country-pop artist McKenna Faith Winters blends modern country storytelling with bold female energy and hook-driven melodies. With a voice that balances grit and polish, McKenna delivers songs about confidence, heartbreak, independence, and the messy moments that make growing up unforgettable.
Her new album How Do You Miss Me marks a major step forward — sonically bigger, lyrically sharper, and unapologetically honest. The lead radio single, “Comin’ Up Cowboy,” introduces a playful, high-energy side of McKenna that’s built for repeat spins and audience engagement.
McKenna is quickly gaining attention for her relatable writing, strong live performances, and ability to connect with young country audiences worldwide.
Format: Country / Country Pop
Energy: Upbeat / Feel-good / Radio-friendly
Theme: Falling hard for unexpected love & country lifestyle
Audience: Young country listeners, crossover pop fans, traditional country fans
“Comin’ Up Cowboy” is a fun, infectious anthem about discovering a wild-west romance you never saw coming. With catchy hooks, driving rhythm, and sing-along chorus moments, the track is tailor-made for radio rotation and social media traction.
The song blends contemporary country production with playful lyrics and undeniable charm — a track that feels fresh while staying rooted in classic country storytelling.
Special Feature:
Legendary fiddle player Joe Spivey brings signature energy and authenticity to the track, adding a standout instrumental layer that elevates the production and gives the song instant character. Spivey has recorded and/or toured with the likes of Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Hank Williams Jr., Faith Hill, Merle Haggard
• Female country artist with strong Gen-Z & young adult appeal
• Upbeat feel-good single perfect for daytime rotation
• Fiddle feature from Joe Spivey adds credibility & musicianship
• Album rollout generating buzz across social platforms
• Strong audience engagement and growing international fanbase
How Do You Miss Me
The album explores themes of confidence, independence, heartbreak, and emotional growth. Each track highlights McKenna’s ability to write from a deeply personal perspective while staying universally relatable.
From empowering anthems to vulnerable storytelling, the project showcases a young artist stepping fully into her identity and sound.
Artist: McKenna Faith Winters
Single: “Comin’ Up Cowboy”
Album: How Do You Miss Me
Genre: Country / Country Pop
Language: English
ISRC: QZNW72602047
WAV Download Available: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/w2fny0kxtx20dxkzobc71/Comin-Up-Cowboy.wav?rlkey=kuuc6xkk8nhe3g0krm527ogq5&st=oxeoej9d&dl=0 |
Radio / Media / Booking:
MFW Entertainment Group
📧 mike@mfwentertainmentgroup.com
815-978-5657
Tik Tok-43k Followers
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