Brian Simpson Mar/Apr 2020

CD Reviews: Carol Albert, Gregory Porter, Wayne Shorter and more...

SmoothJazz Mar /Apr 2020

TM

MAGAZINE

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38 38 Brian Simpson debut #1 Concert Billboard Jazz Chart 28 Adam Hawley Talks Billboard 16 Kirk Whalum Showcase Feature

Concerts, Education & Wife

@ the Grammy Museum LA

20 Gregory Porter / Ledsi

Lifestyle Atlanta Show 46 NAMM 2020 Innovations Remembering 52 Volta Under The Big Top 10 Joseph Shabalala founder 58 Grammys Biggest Night Ladysmith Black Mambazo 13 Ja’net DuBois 63 Grammy Red-Carpet Co-founder PAFF 74 Up From The Streets Movie Review @PAFF

Jazz Notes Remembering 08 Hollywood Bowl Venue 63 Voted Best In The World

CD Reviews 79 Black Violins - Take The Stairs 82 Adam Hawley - Escape 85 Kandace Springs -

The Women Who Raised Me

88 Chris Standring - Real Life 93 Carol Albert—Stronger Now 96 Gregory Porter - All Rise 104 Wayne Shorter The Music of Wayne Shorter CD Releases

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SmoothJazz Jazz March / April 2020

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Contributing Writers Brandon Foster Erika Nash Giget C. Johnson Keivu Knox Althea Turner E.L. Johnson Elizabeth Lee Dianna Moore Ronda Dixon Sandra Chriss Azval Ismail

Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Charlotte D.C. Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles South Africa

Contributing Photographers Larry Williams Mann

Atlanta Los Angeles

SPECIAL THANKS: THE 62ND GRAMMY® AWARD 2020, Viacom/CBS © Photos: Monty Brinton, Timothy Kuratek, Phil McCarten, Francis Specker.

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The week of February 29, 2020 Detail Jacob Webb Feat. Shantawn Kendrick

2

Fall To You Blake Aaron

3

Afro Caalypso Julian Vaughn

4

Around The Corner Rick Braun

5

IsAmends There A Doctor In The House?

Chris Standring

@smoothjazz-

Jazz

Notes

The Hollywood Bowl, was honored as the winner of the Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year at the 31st Annual Pollstar Awards.

As one of the leading outdoor music venues in the world and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with shows like the Playboy Jazz Festival and the Smooth Jazz Festival along with the team of Live Nation-Hewitt Silva also brought a star-studded lineup that included performances Lionel Richie, Marco Antonio , Heart, Rod Stewart, Mary J. Blige & Nas, Lauryn Hill, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift.

The Pollstar Awards honor the best of the worldwide concert industry. The awards are peer-voted, and winners are determined by the international readership of Pollstar. This year’s distinction affirms the Hollywood Bowl as a premier destination for performers and audiences alike.

Programming for the 2020 summer season at the Hollywood Bowl can be found at hollywoodbowl.com 08| SmoothJazz Magazine

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3/5 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center 3/24 Denver, CO Pepsi Center 3/26 Salt Lake City, UT Vivint Smart Home Arena 3/29 Glendale, AZ Gila River Arena# 3/31 San Diego, CA Pechanga Arena 4/2-4/3 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center 4/7 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center 4/9 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena 4/10 San Francisco, CA Chase Center# 4/13 Portland, OR Moda Bank 4/15 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome 4/17-4/18 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena 4/21 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place 4/25 Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre 4/27 Winnipeg, MB Bell MTS Place Mar/Apr Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 09

Remembering

Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo Founder, Dies at 78...

His choral group acquired an international following and won Grammys after collaborating with Paul Simon on the album “Graceland.”

Joseph Shabalala, the South African songwriter whose choir, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, brought Zulu music to listeners worldwide, died on Tuesday in a hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.

The cause was not immediately known, but his health had deteriorated after he had back surgery in 2013, said the group’s manager, Xolani Majozi, who anounced his death.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s collaborations with Paul Simon on his 1986 album “Graceland,” on the tracks “Homeless” and “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” introduced South African choral music to an international pop audience.

In 1987, Mr. Simon produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s first major-label album, “Shaka Zulu,” which won a Grammy Award. The group went on to enjoy global recognition, including four more Grammys, decades of extensive touring and guest appearances with Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Josh Groban, George Clinton and many others.

https://tour.jessecook.com/

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Remembering Nelson Mandela called Ladysmith Black Mambazo “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world.”

Joseph Shabalala — his full name was Bhekizizwe Joseph Siphatimandla Mxoveni Mshengu Bigboy Shabalala — was born on Aug. 28, 1941, near the town of Ladysmith, where his parents, Jonathan Mluwane Shabalala and Nomandla Elina Shabalala, worked on a white-owned farm.

Through the next decades, appeared on “Sesame Street” and “The Tonight Show.”

Performed when Nelson Mandela received his Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and a year later at Mr. Mandela’s inauguration as president of South Africa.

The group appeared on Broadway providing music for a 1993 play about apartheid, “The Song of Jacob Zulu,” and Mr. Shabalala collaborated with the Steppenwolf Theater Company of Chicago and the playwright Ntozake Shange on a musical based on one of his songs, “Nomathemba.”

He announced his retirement from Ladysmith Black Mambazo in 2014; three of his sons — Sibongseni, Thamsanqa and Thulani — are in the current lineup of the group.

Mr. Shabalala’s wife of three decades, Nellie, was murdered in 2002. In addition to his three sons, his survivors include his wife, Thokozile Shabalala; two daughters; four more sons; and 36 grandchildren.

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“When you thought the Lies, Betrayal and Deceit could not get any worse…”

Author Robin Munro

“Pure Revenge picks up right after the end of Pure Deception with even more twist and turns.”

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Remembering

JA’NET DUBOIS Actress, Singer and Co-founders of the Pan African Film Festival, Star of Good Times dies at 74. Award-winning actor Danny Glover and Ayuko Babu Release Statement on her Death at 74..

STATEMENT FROM GLOVER AND BABU ON THE PASSING OF JA’NET DUBOIS: “We are shocked and stunned by the passing of one of the founders of the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, and one of the most important shining and guiding lights. Our sister, Ja’Net DuBois, epitomized a true, conscious Pan African artist who mastered the ability to be idealistic and practical at the same time. It’s rare to find a person — let alone an artist — who strikes a wonderful balance.

If Madame DuBois had lived during the times of the great Pharaohs; or the great kingdoms of Timbuktu; or the great kingdoms in southern Africa, such as the Zimbabwe and Zulu kingdoms, she would have been known as a Jali or a Sangoma. In our contemporary times, she was able to use modern technology to spread her voice, her image, her spirit, her songs and our stories around the globe and touch us with humor, dignity and her ancient wisdom.

A mighty giant tree has fallen in the forest today! With her death occurring in the midst of the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, she left us an important message — support cultural institutions like her beloved Pan African Film and Arts Festival, and it will point you toward liberation and freedom. If not — like the bluesman, Taj Maahal sings — you’ll stumble and fall.

— co-founders Danny Glover and Ayuko Babu, on behalf of the staff of the Pan African Film and Arts Festival and the many thousands of people who attend it!

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Remembering Founded by award-winning actor Danny Glover, actress Ja’Net Dubois and Ayuko Babu, the 28th annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is currently taking place at the Cinemark 15 Theatres, located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. See movie review “Up From The Streets.”

PAFF is the largest Black film festival in the United States and the largest Black History Month cultural event in the nation. This year, it has selected a recordbreaking 225 film, representing 52 countries in 26 languages. Plus, ArtFest will feature more than 100 fine artists from around the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live action and animation short films.

Ja’Net DuBois, best known for her role as Willona Woods on Good Times, was found dead unexpectedly in her slee on Tuesday February 18, in her Glendale, CA home.

DuBois' resume includes I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Roots: The Next Generations, and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

She also sang and co-wrote "Movin' On Up," theme song of the hit TV show The Jeffersons, and voiced the character Mrs. Florence Avery on the animated sitcom The PJs, which earned her two Emmys for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.

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Concert By: Art Jackson

THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

There are times in a man’s life when you begin to feel that you can do more, some may call it mid-life crisis, some may say that its an “ah ha” moment. Well Kirk Whalum has had this moment when he turned 40 and then again at 59 and at this stage in his life and career that moment sparked an action that has brought continents together.

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Concert The Grammy Museum hosted an intimate conversation with Kirk for his new project on the Mack Avenue Record Label “Humanité.”

Kirk talks about wanting to do something but different and making a movie would be a stretch for him. He battled within thinking that he is not wealthy as most jazz musicians are not rich, but he has been fortunate to have traveled around the world and gained many friends in the process. But not knowing where to begin, he convinced himself to just get on a plane and go one place and so the journey began.

The audience got to see a clip from the DVD that he passionately talked about in the creation process while shooting in some of the countries like Botswana to Tokyo, all shot in 4K by Jim Hanon.

The CD has collaborations with household names like Keiko Matsui and Marcus Miller but also gifted artists from the UK, Indonesia, Nairobi, and South Africa.

However, the final part of the movie is shot in Memphis, TN home again for Kirk as this was his home as a youth that has left him memories for life.

View the Humanité DVD clip here:

Tonight Kirk shares memories of growing up during the era of Martin Luther King Jr., sharing of landmarks that are so vivid to him but images that we have all seen in black and white from TV and newspaper articles documented from the ’60s.

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Concert What Kirk has done with this movie and CD is to show how the world is a community as the movie is entitled.

“Humanité: The Beloved Community” as he stated during the interview, this was a strong element that Dr. King also was bringing in his messages from the war in Vietnam to the March on Washington.

During this Q&A, Kirk talked about the Civil Rights, talked about the injustices in Africa but he also talked about the beauty of music and how it bonds people, it inspires, it even motivates taking us all to a place of one community.

The imagery of the movie clip was amazing, seeing the average African going to work on a train, taking a bus, just living life, you felt as though you were experiencing it all right there with them. Sitting down having a meal with Kirk and Keiko just seem like two friends getting together for lunch planning out the next tune or discussing how the music touches them. This is a documentary that needs to be shared in our school systems.

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Concert The evening also included Kirk playing several songs as he introduced Andr a Lisa who grew up in New Zealand but hails from South Africa, whom they met on a cruise ship as she was part of the staff during one of the Smooth Jazz cruises, but now affectionately calls him by the nickname Un Kirk. “Get Your Wings Up” is on the new CD and it’s a song that Andr a Lisa wrote in 2011. You will be able to see Andr a and UnKirk on tour this spring together. The final song for the evening which is also on the CD “Wildflower” sung tonight by Chante Conn.

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Concert By: Giget C. Johnson

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Photos By: Larry Williams

Let the music take you‌

Concert The concert was brought to us by WCLK, which is housed at CAU, of which I am an Alumna, c/o 1995 BS/ MS in Mathematics.

Ledisi opened the show. She is a powerhouse in her own right. She’s put in the work and has the talent to sustain her longevity in this industry for so many years. The lady has a set of pipes on her. She knew this was a Gregory Porter show and was honored to be opening for him. She joked about having three fans in the audience. She had more than that, many more; she humbly underestimated our appreciation for her talent. But just as she truthfully acknowledged, most of the audience was there to see Mr. Porter.

Nonetheless, she owned the stage and her femininity oozed through her lyrics and the sway of her hips, which were not to be ignored as she rocked bright red ultra-high stilettos, accentuating her toned legs. I don’t know who she blames for that glow she had, but they deserve a round of applause too.

There were three types of fans at the show. Ledisi fans.

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Concert Photos By: Larry Williams

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Concert

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Concert Gregory Porter fans. And fans of both Gregory Porter and Ledisi. A very mature audience. The crowd was full of graduates from Clark College, Atlanta University, and Clark Atlanta University. A colorful crowd compiled of mostly African Americans. All of whom exhibited their love for good music.

My brother, a homebody, took his friend. She was a Ledisi fan. He is a Gregory Porter fan. I am a fan of both. He told his friend at the closing of Ledisi’s set, “Now that she’s off the stage, let the real singing begin. . . . In referring to Ledisi, “all of that jumping around can make your voice shaky. Sit back and watch the maestro go to work.”

House lights are dim. The crowd is in wait. The band – five men: a pianist, a bassist, a percussionist, an organist, and a saxophonist – gave us melodies that were a delight to our ears. Mr. Porter appears in a light grey / silver suit with his “jazz hat” on, front and center. A statuesque man. And go to work is just what he does.

Gregory Porter opened his set with the new single “If Love Is Overrated”, which was released on February

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Concert 14, 2020, from his new CD “All Rise” expected to be released in April 2020. I am anxiously awaiting its release so that the whole world will know what I already know –“ALL RISE” will evoque every fiber in your body to awaken.

“If love is overrated, let me be the one who is naïve. If love is overrated, let me be the one who is deceived.” There was no deception to be found in this show. No FLUFF about his performance. Just PURE talent. Solid vocals. No overrated showmanship. Just ONE MIC. Just ONE MAN and HIS BAND. And we’re off. On a mesmerizing musical journey.

His talent speaks for itself. Real music. Real talent.

The crowd is in awe. Silently absorbing the tender drops of very strong crooning as Mr. Porter effortlessly gave us “Take Me To The Alley”, “On My Way to Harlem”, “Liquid Spirit”, “Insanity”, “When Love Was King” and back for the encore with “Holding On.” He’d step out of the spotlight, for a break, allowing time for his band time to shine. And shine is what they did. Great music. Great lyrics.

It was an amazing show. In fact, amazing is not a good enough word to describe it.

Astounding! Awe-Inspiring! Remarkable! Phenomenal!

Bravo Mr. Porter! Bravo!

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Concert

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FEATURE By: Althea Turner

TA L K S CD CHARTS FA M I LY EDUCTION TO U R T R AV E L

What an honor to sit down with Adam Hawley and gain some insight into how he does it and what it feels like to be one of THE top guitarist in the industry. He’s recently had his new single, “To The Top,” named

#1 most added on Billboard. I can tell you this, his new album, “Escape,” will climb the charts and leave his listeners in awe. In my opinion, it’s one of his best thus far. So, I will attempt to give you, his fans and his listeners, the very best of Adam—his personal and professional side, and we will learn what keeps him giving us his best while being a father, husband and musician. He is perfection, as a father, husband and musician, and this album characterizes all of it.

SJM: First, Happy Belated Birthday. I saw that you just celebrated a few days ago.

Adam: Thank you!

SJM: Tell us about this new single. It’s #1 most added in Billboard?

Adam: Well, it just came out on Monday, five days ago, and we’ve had a terrific start. It was #1 most added on Billboard. That’s about the best you can hope 28| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Feature FEATURE for in the first week. The stations are adding it, and we’re excited about it. It’s the first single off of this new album. It’s called “To The Top.” My buddy, Jeff Ryan, is on there and featured as the saxophonist. So yeah, we’re excited about it.

SJM: How many times have you hit the Billboard top ten and #1?

Adam: There’s been quite a few. Four of my singles have been #1 on the Billboard chart. We have our fingers crossed, but this one is off to a good start.

SJM: Your collaborations are quite extensive on your new album. Let’s see, you feature Najee, Rick Braun, Marcus Anderson, Michael Lington, Jeff Ryan. How does all this happen?

Adam: We meet each other on tour . . . on cruises. I’ve known Rick for a long time; maybe six or seven years. You just get to know people over time and you cross your fingers and hope that when you reach out you can grab people . . . and you know sometimes it’s tricky with timing and schedules and what not.

Najee, he actually mentioned to me at one point, “hey man, hit me up.” Michael Lington actually asked me to play on his Christmas record. We kind of did a little trade, a little bartering, and so I had a favor coming from him and I hit him up and reached out, so you just kind of get to know guys over the years and collaborate.

SJM: There’s one special collaboration that I’m sure everyone would like to hear about, and that’s the one with your lovely wife, Kat. What’s it like to sing with her? When did she start singing with you?

Adam: We’ve been performing together for quite a long time. We met in church in the Los Angeles area. I was music director and she was worship leader for quite a long time. She’s been, from day one, with all my shows. It’s like a Mar/Apr Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 29

FEATURE a family connection. She’s always featured in my shows. I always look for a way to feature her on each album. As with the song, “Senorita” there is something about this song, I just kind of liked the whole dialogue with the similar back and forth, like the original from Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes. So I thought it would be kind of cool for us as well as husband and wife. She does most of the singing on there, but I duet with her with the guitar and it turned out really nice. I’ve been getting a lot of people reaching out about that song; specifically, they really like what we did with it. We tried to mix it up a little bit, do a little different treatment with hit, and it turned out nice.

SJM: You have a son. How does he feel about Mom and Dad touring together?

Adam: Yes. We have an 11-year old son, Adam Jr. He’s in 5th grade and he’s great--he’s such a great kid. He has a lot of natural talent as you would imagine, being a guitarist and my wife being a vocalist. I think he’s going to be more into technology, computers and programming. He actually wanted to do coding, so I signed him up for a coding class that he’s really enjoying. I think he’s going to be a little more technological, but you never know. He’s still got some time.

SJM: Does he understand the magnitude of your success?

Adam: I think it’s all kind of underwhelming in the sense that he’s used to it.

When he was three years old, I was on tour with Jennifer Lopez and we were doing arenas, and so he’s been coming to see me at large venues and he’s seen me on TV maybe 10 or 15 times. So I think when you grow up with all that it’s just like, “okay Dad’s on TV again, alright.” I’ve been fortunate to be in a few movies. I was in “La La Land,” and some TV shows--“Grey’s Anatomy” and “This Is Us.” It’s like, it’s good and then it’s like, back to what we were doing. He’s grown up with it so he’s just like “that’s what Dad does.”

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FEATURE SJM: With you on tour, how do you balance work with family?

Adam: That’s a great question. I feel really fortunate. As I mentioned before, my wife is in the show, so we get to spend a lot of time together that way. And when we can, we bring our son out. Obviously, we don’t want to take him out of school, but in the summer, we’ll travel with him or on break. It’s a lot of fun.

As I said, we’re blessed to work together, me and my wife, and we get more time with each other that way.

SJM: Do you have any favorite places you like to visit as a family? I’m pretty sure you’ve traveled extensively.

Adam: As a family, our favorite is definitely Hawaii. We’ve been there on vacation now three or four times. We were just there for 8 days in January, and had the best time . . . just relaxing. For vacation, that’s definitely our highlight . . . going to Waikiki and Honolulu and just relaxing. We’re lucky because from LA, it’s a direct flight. It’s just a five- or six-hour flight, so it’s not too hard to get there, and the flight is not too expensive.

SJM: Let’s talk success. How does it feel to consistently be hitting billboards?

Adam: I never take it for granted. It’s a lot of hard work, and I really make an effort to make every record different, every song different, and keep the originality at a high level. You never know. Lightning struck with the first single. I’m now independent. I have my own record label, MBF Entertainment, and I’m very excited to be fully independent. For my first two albums I was with Maurice White’s (Earth, Wind and Fire) label, Kalimba Music. That was really awesome to be a part of Maurice’s family; essentially, the people who were at the label had Mar/Apr Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 31

FEATURE with him for decades, 30 plus years. When they released my first single, they just said “hey you’re a new artist, this is your first album/first single and we’re just gonna put it out there and hopefully you’ll get some air play and we’ll build you over time.” I was like that’s great and I was excited to be on Maurice’s label and thought we’ll see how it goes. That first single, back in the summer of 2016, ended up being #1 on Billboard for five weeks. It was like right out of the gate, BAM! The first single was a really great song, and we’ve just been riding that wave ever since. Now we’ve had four total on Billboard and six, if you count some of the other charts, that were media based, so it’s really been a dream come true. It’s a real testament to my radio promoter, Jason Gorov. He’s done an incredible job promoting all of the music. Thanks to all the listeners and all the stations and programmers. Everyone’s been so supportive, and it’s been awesome.

SJM: How long did it take for you being in the business before you were consistently making the charts?

Adam: That’s what’s so amazing. That first single, like I said, really hit big.

We’ve just been riding that ever since. I’ve been consistently seeing the support out there and it’s important to keep pushing and keep the momentum going, and I’ve made sure to not take a break or take time off because things have been going well. So I just want to keep it going.

SJM: Other than making music, which I’m sure is your passion, what other interests do you have?

Adam: Definitely music is what I’m involved with. There’s so many different aspects of the music industry. Outside of me being an artist and releasing records, 32| SmoothJazz Magazine

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FEATURE Feature I’m doing a lot of production now for other artists, which has been a lot of fun.

That’s really cool, and I’m producing for quite a few people . . . like Lin Rountree, Phil Denny, Rob Zen, Jazmin Ghent . . . I have about 10 artists I’m working with now. It’s great! It keeps me busy in the studio. It takes me about 4-5 months to do one of my records, and they come out every two years, so that leaves a lot of extra time to be working on other projects and stay creative. I have a lot of fun doing that.

SJM: How long have you been playing guitar?

Adam: It’s been 26 years. Piano was my first instrument, and I started that at age 8. Those are the main two instruments--piano and guitar. I play a little bit of bass, and played drums and a little bit of trumpet in high school. From a performance standpoint, the guitar is the only instrument I perform with live. I do a lot of keyboard playing in the studio when I’m working on either my music or music I’m producing. The keyboard skills definitely come in handy.

SJM: You’ve earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts. Explain how this has helped you along the way.

Adam: Yes. I have a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California (USC). I feel fortunate that I ended up at USC. I had a great experience there, and with that degree I’ve been teaching at several different colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area. Right now I’m teaching at Saddleback College and also Musicians Institute, and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of great students and I really enjoy it. I really get a lot out of it. Hopefully the students are getting as much out of it as I am. We get to talk about some really

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FEATURE years, and it’s been great. It’s the least I can do. I have so much not only just in terms of education and musicality, but I literally got a lot of performing opportunities from my teachers when I was in college, and when I first toured with the Manhattan Transfer, I toured with them for four years, it was directly from one of my teachers at USC. I really owe a lot to them and they really helped get my career going so I’m hoping I can do the same for the next generation.

SJM: What goes on in the Hawley house on Sunday mornings? Who’s in the kitchen?

Adam: Sunday mornings I’m in church. I’m there every Sunday in Inglewood, CA, Center of Hope, and I’ve been there about seven years. We do, however, get together and eat after church. That’s the big meal on Sunday. My wife is an incredible cook. It’s funny, when I met her she had one dish. Now, she’s like a gourmet to the ultimate. It’s incredible. You name it, she can make it.

I’m mostly the taste tester. I haven’t really picked up any skills in the kitchen.

SJM: What’s your favorite food?

Adam: My favorite food….aww man! If I had to pick one, it would be Italian. We have a few different pizza restaurants in the LA area that are Napoli style. It’s the kind of pizza you can get in Italy. I just took my wife there for Valentine’s Day to a place called Mozza. That’s our favorite restaurant. We spend a lot of important dates, birthdays and anniversaries, and a lot of times we’ll end up there. If I had to pick one that would be it. But we are huge food lovers; we love everything. That’s one of the things we enjoy when we’re out traveling, we enjoy getting to know each city that we’re in and we enjoy the food—the local eats.

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FEATURE SJM: Circling back to collaboration – if you could go back in time and pick someone who is no longer with us, who would you pick?

Adam: Oh gosh! That’s a great question! Definitely, being someone in the contemporary jazz genre, I’m a huge fan of Grover obviously, Grover Washington; and Wayman Tisdale, so both of them would have been incredible to do something with.

It’s hard to pick one of those two because they’re both just so incredible so it would be a tie between the two of them.

SJM: What’s missing in music today?

Adam: I’m a huge fan of music from “back in the day.” 60s 70s 80s. Such an incredible era. There’s so many great artists now I think it might just be harder to find them, and I think for the listener you have to dig a little deeper. Different radio stations are going to have their different emphasis and kind of put different artists together. That’s actually one of the cool things about different services like Apple Music and Spotify . . . you can create your own channel.

And I’m always doing that; gathering new music and putting playlists together.

It’s a little bit harder. It’s not like it was back in the day where you just put it on a station. There’s still some jazz stations that’s super supportive but it’s a little tricky if you’re looking for what was happening back in the day. There’s so many artists putting out music now. It’s like how do you push through the noise as an artist but then also as a listener. How do you get through everything and find what you’re looking for? I think in some ways it’s harder but in other ways, and I don’t want to get my dates wrong, I would say 10 years ago we didn’t have streaming or 15 years ago, whatever it is, and that is part of it, you can just hear your own station and find great music that you wouldn’t have had in the past. I would say it’s more challenging, but the opportunity is still there for great music.

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FEATURE SJM: Do you listen to music or do you hear music?

Adam: Interesting question. I would say both. I do listen to a lot of music and get inspiration from that. But also, I hear music in my head and that’s where a lot of my compositions come from. Sometimes I’ll dream a song, and the trick is, can I remember it when I wake up. One of the songs on my first album is one that I literally dreamed the entire song. I called it “While You Were Dreaming.”

It was pretty cool. The song was just completely finished in my dream. Thank goodness I remembered it when I woke up.

SJM: What would you like to tell your fans and listeners? What would you like for them to know that I may not have asked?

Adam: Oh gosh! You had a lot of great questions. I guess just the main thing is to let people know to go to my website, www.adamhawley.com. You can get to everything from there. It’s all my social media, you can see my tour dates, you can see pictures, and you can get signed copies of my albums. It’s kind of a onestop shop to just stay in touch and see what’s coming up. There’s a lot of tour dates coming up this year. Everyone check it out!

SJM: Thank you, and it’s been a pleasure to speak with you. After hearing this new album, “Escape,” I feel confident you’ll have a few more #1s on the Billboard chart. Our readers are in for a treat with this one!

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Feature Review By: Keivu Knox

Brian Simpson has continued to evolve over the years and not be afraid of tapping into different genres and styles.

During our interview, among other topics, he shared how his desire to move forward and push the musical envelope, showed in his most recent album, a collaboration with guitarist Steve Oliver entitled “Unified.”

SJM: How’s everything going Brian?

Brian: Well I just got some good news about the CD from my record company last night. We were debuting as the number one contemporary jazz album on the Billboard charts.

SJM: That is great news and well deserved. I saw also that you just came back from the Smooth Jazz Cruise. How did that go?

Brian: It was fun. I was out there with a bunch of my friends and people I had not seen in awhile like Jeff Lorber and Evette Harp and Paul Jackson Jr. We’re out there and t's really a nice community of artists, as we all kind of know each other pretty well at this point. Its so much different than a regular gig because you're really with the fans, standing in the same buffet line. So you get to know 38| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Feature “But later on piano players really made the biggest impact on me. Take Joe Sample, when you talk about writing songs, there was no one better.” some people more than you would in other situations.

SJM: Was there someone that you made a point to see when they were performing on the cruise?

Brian: Definitely Ramsey Lewis. I believe he’s 85 now and he was announcing that he probably won't do any more touring. I got to tell you he was really enjoyable. I talked to other fans and we all thought it was really special to see him, especially knowing it may be the last chance I'll ever get to see him. So that was awesome. I've always been a fan of his being a fellow pianist.

SJM: Who were your other influences? I know you grew up in a musical household.

Brian: Well I was subjected to my parents’ taste because I couldn't buy my own records. But luckily, I think my dad has really good taste and we had a really good jazz radio station in Chicago growing up. So I really started developing my own playlist from listening to the station and I would sit there with a cassette recorder and just start recording it. That's how I built up my collection of music that I like. That was also truly how I learned about a lot of different artists, saxophone players like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. I loved guitar players, you know before there was a George Benson. there was Joe Pass and there was Wes Montgomery. I listened to a lot of traditional Jazz and probably more saxophone than piano. I gravitated towards those instruments and sounds and that has definitely affected how I play lyrically and musically. But later on piano players really made the biggest impact on me. Take Joe Sample, when you talk about writing songs, there was no one better.

SJM: Did you ever play any other instruments?

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Feature Brian: Well I started playing the sax at nine years old but that only lasted for a week! I told my mother I couldn’t do it anymore, carrying it around. There was always a guitar in the house but again it was so big and it wasn’t suitable for a child. But eventually, we had a piano in the house and that’s what I stuck with.

But in college I did play bass for a while and played in a wedding band on bass.

SJM: Now while most know you as a jazz pianist, some people may not be aware that you co-wrote a major pop/r&b hit, “The First Time,” by Surface.

Brian: Yes I wrote the music and Bernard Jackson wrote the lyrics. I really thought I would be more of that kind of songwriter, but the industry was changing. David Foster was a huge influence on me at the time and I saw myself writing love songs, but the opportunities did not arise. As soon as that song became a big hit the industry changed seemingly overnight where bands like that were getting dropped and they were selling a million records! Labels started focusing on rap and that was it. It was great to have a hit song but I decided then to move to a genre that I was most comfortable with which was instrumental contemporary jazz and instrumental music. I knew I would have fun doing Jazz and creating it.

Even though you're probably not going to sell a million albums making Jazz record, I just knew I had to go with my heart.

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Feature One other thing I've learned is you cannot fight progress. You gotta go with it.

Even now when people say “oh I liked when you did this or that” I know that I have to look forward. I can't continue to make songs that sound like the songs I did in 2005 or 2010 or 2015. In fact I’m planning something even more contemporary for my next project. I have kids that are in their early 20s what they grew up listening to is so, different; their ears are so tuned differently. They are more open to different genres, like electronic music and other styles, where a baby boomer may not look to hear people experimenting.

SJM: On this album, I definitely hear you and Steve Oliver experimenting. How did the collaboration come about? I know he's worked with you on your last two solo albums.

Brian: I called him in the summer of 2018 and said “what would you think about doing a project that didn't even feature our names?” You know, I was thinking more of a group of musicians and the two of us could write an album that wasn't smooth jazz. It would be more of an electronic music kind of vibe.

That was the original thought. I knew I could keep doing smooth jazz, but I'd like to try something a little different, but maybe not under my own name. So we got together and came up with the first two songs, They weren't songs with lyrics but I just kind of had vocal parts in them and a little melodic piano. As we move forward it just kind of became a Brian and Steve record so we made the decision to complete a record together. We moved from having a couple of songs to an entire album, but we did not have a record deal. But in the last few months of working on it. I got a email from my the record company and they were ready for me to do another record. And I said “its funny you should ask, just finished a record!” So I told him what the concept was and they offered us a deal without even hearing it.

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Feature SJM: Listening to the album, with so many different sounds, how did you two record the album?

Brian: So Steve lives in the middle of nowhere in the desert. I would pack a bed and pillow and blanket put that in my car and tell Steve I'm camping out for a couple days at his place. . I would drive out to the desert and stay in his spare room and we would record together. I would stay for a few days and we would work all day. I would drive back home and maybe a month goes by or two and I go back out there and do it again. So I was making these trips out to the desert and I actually liked doing it because it was calm and peaceful out there with no distractions and it was great. Steve's a clever songwriter and I consider myself a good songwriter so I knew if we rolled up our sleeve and challenged each other, something great would result.

I just wanted it to be compelling. We have great musicians on it. The drumming is all live the bass is live and we have real percussion. What’s really fun about listening to this record is the musicianship of everyone involved and just how the production in the compositions were put together. I think people will find it compelling and make listening more enjoyable.

SJM: The melodies were very strong on this album, songs like the title track along with “The Way Home” and “The Road Never Ends.” When the melodies are strong, it makes the album even more memorable.

Brian: Good! Then, “Mission Accomplished” because that was what we're going for. We wanted strong melodies and Steve's a great melody guy. While he was working on those melodies, I was the task master to make sure we made the most of our time. When you work quickly it helps to get this accomplished. We kept pushing each other until we got things to where we wanted them, but we also knew when to stop.

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Feature It’s a balance. I’ve heard that Mozart would think of his melodies, write them down and was done. He didn’t go back to them.. Then there are other composers like Beethoven who made tons of corrections, even going back a year later to change something that he wrote. The key is finding the spot in between and I feel like that’s what we were able to do.

SJM: Putting you on the spot now. What’s your favorite song from the album?

Brian: I’m going to say I love “The Road Never Ends.”

It’s Steve’s favorite too. Everything about this song is great. I‘ll take a little credit for my idea for the key change at the end. It's an unusual key changes it goes up ¼ and I really love that part. That's the most emotional part of this whole album to me. That song is a feel-good song and makes me happy.

SJM: Going back to something you said earlier. You were talking about the original idea of creating a group and recording under a group name. If you could create a super group of musicians, who would be in it?

Brian: Well, if I can get anyone it would be George Benson and Marcus Miller.

On drums, it really depends on the kind of record I’m making. But actually I have a drummer that I'm getting ready to leave for Indonesia with and his name is Michael White. He was the drummer with Frankie Beverly and Maze for years and he played on many of my CDs in the past. He's always at the top of my list.

SJM: One last question before I let you go. What would be one thing that fans or people that are familiar with you will be surprised to learn about you?

Brian I don't have any life outside music (laughs) That's all I do. I've got three kids that I raised here in my house and that has been my full-time job. I do love cars. I’ve bought a few cars and got them fixed up. Oh, and he only foreign lanMar/Apr Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 43

Feature guage I can speak is Indonesian When I was in college at the time. I was engaged to a Malaysian girl. So I actually learned it but I thought I would never use it. But years later I started going to the Java jazz festival in Jakarta. In fact I’ve gone almost every year for the last 15 years and that’s where I get a chance to speak Indonesian!

SJM: That is ironic! Well Brian, thanks again for sharing your time and your thoughts with us.

Much continued success with the new album.

Brian: Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

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Let the music take

Lifestyle By: Sandra Chriss

The Namm show, “The National Association of Music Merchants”, did it again at the Anaheim Convention center, January 16 through January 19. The show was absolutely amazing, with commercial companies, distributor’s, affiliates and Manufacturers from all over the world. New Hi-Tec instruments, some not even available in stores yet. I covered more than a thousand booths, but enjoyed every trek.

Innovative new microphones that every singer would love to have under there belt. There were new musical instruments, hi Tec versions of saxophones, guitars flutes, violins, tambourines you name it was featured.

Musicians from all musical formats attended, like Bootsy Collins and Kevin Toney of the Blackbyrds even ran into model Fabio who is a huge fan of jazz.

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Lifestyle - Fashion Better known for playing the Hammond Organ, Joey DeFrancesco was spotted at an impromptu jam session. While Saxophonist Marlon played at the booth of his signature mouthpiece endorser Kims Korea Saxophone.

As you walked and gazed at skilled musicians to amateurs there was one constant fact that was easy to see, everyone here loves music.

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Lifestyle

One company that literally blew me away was Divismate, created and made in Germany, full package will not be available until the end of February.

Let me explain in my own words how this amazing piece of software works. When you play a chord, it splits it into a individual musical line. There are 32 output ports. You can assign any voice part to any port simultaneously. You can double the same notes in unison or octaves. I could go on and on, as “Will Smith said it in the movie “Independence Day,” “I GOT TO GET ME ONE OF THESE”, wow I will be purchasing one very soon. I am al48| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Concert - Photos Lifestyle always writing songs, and this software is a must for my studio.

I could go on and on, every year its awesome and gets better and better. What a rewarding experience.

It is easy to feel like a kid in a candy store that you are allowed to touch and play with all the eye candy.

As the sun sets on another wonderful year NAMM 2020 will be a favorite memory.

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Lifestyle - Fashion

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Lifestyle - Fashion

Review and Photos By: Mann VOLTA Opening Night at Dodger Stadium, my first though was of excitement to see this show inside the stadium, not realizing that the big tent was on the grounds of the Dodgers parking lot. This was my only disappointment of the night.

"Breathe Taking, Exhilarating, Mesmerizing, Poetry in Motion, Stunning, The Pageantry, Thrilling..." were all the emotions upon leaving the over 2 hours show with about a 30 minute intermission. A must see two, three or more times, as each show you will see something new as your eyes cannot keep up with all the action.

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Lifestyle - Fashion contortedness to comedy all left you sitting on the edge of your seats with feelings of excitement and amazement for fans young and old.

Before entering the big top you are greeted by various cast members from champagne girl and other artists who doesn't mind posing to take a photo with you.

Once you enter under the big top you are overwhelm with the smell of fresh popcorn and the sweet fragrance of cotton candy. But over hearing a couple say you have to be rich to buy any of it. I have to admit a little on the pricey side as a extra small bag of popcorn would set you back $9 and the same for a hot dog (not even a Dodger Dog size) the cotton candy $8 and water to soda and wine are in the same price range.

There was a bevy or souvenirs that also surround the inside of the tent as you enter, various t-shirts to toys and dolls for the kids.

In Southern CA through March 8, 2020 and at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa March 18--April 19, 2020! Tickets, starting at $49, are available for purchase by visiting. cirquedusoleil.com/volta Mar/Apr Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 53

Lifestyle - Fashion There were 14 different principles of acts and it was hard trying to pick which was my favorite. As the show open up with an M/C who also double and tripled as a clown to a mime went among the audience to get some participation he was thoroughly entertaining the whole evening as he acted as a humorous diversion as the crew set up for the next theatrical feat. With careful deliberation in my mind, the artistry in air with the HAIR SUSPENSION was my favorite. A combination of the poetry of a ballerina and the flexibility of an contortionist high above ground was masterfully done as the 360 twirling was absolutely breathe-taking.

SHAPE DIVING, was second for the sheer I can do it attitude as one diver knocked over the shape a couple of times but with the audience encouragement he finally made it through to a rousing applause.

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Lifestyle - Fashion

Coming in at number 3 was LADDER, the sheer strength of legs and arms as the ladder is constantly rotating as the artists hangs in the balance with their spectacular gymnastic flair.

ROPE SKIPPING came in at number 4 as you can only marvel at the ease of jumping in and out and taking turns from jumping to twirling the ropes without skipping a beat. (pun intended) Mar/Apr Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 55

Lifestyle - Fashion BMX comes in at number 5. The sheer lift in height and 360 stop on a dime, heroics of these bikers was outstanding. The potentially to crash in mid-air was a marvel to see as the crowd ooh and ahh’s from the very first take off on the ramps. It was the X Games in non The elegance, the glamour, the laughter, the –stop action. anticipation, the smiles, the overall beauty of the show all brought on by these incredible artists and their dedication to their craft.

“VOLTA” WOW is a must see.

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E N A R COLT TO

MONTGOMERY

"It's a mixture of Smooth & Bebop jazz for your relaxation to free our mind from tension and anxiety.�

Lifestyle - Fashion

By Ronda Dixon

During the Pre-Grammy Premiere Awards which are the off-camera Awards most of the Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Classical awards were given.

Emeralda Spalding, a former Grammy winner won Best Jazz Vocal Album for her song “12 Little Spells.“ She wore a green Floral Jumpsuit with the words “Life Force” on the front. Esmeralda Spalding says she is pushing towards a more explicit application of healing technologies in music. 2021 is the year that its emerging into the world. Life Force talks about the universal energy that we all come from. When asked what winning the Grammy means to her she replied, “Winning this Grammy means more sales and easier to book a tour.”

Gary Clark, Jr., “This Land,” is a kind of crossover reggae/rock/country.

This land is my land, this land is your land. Reminiscent of the folk song, ‘This land is my land.” Interesting political commentary on racism and an assertion of equal rights to this 58| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Mar/Apr

Lifestyle - Fashion country. “This land is my land, right in the middle of trump country… We don’t want your kind; this is where I come from. This land is my land.” He won three Grammy Awards, one being Best Contemporary Blues Album Gary Clark, Jr. “To be a part of two segments and perform my record was amazing.”

Said Gary. Sing the body Electric took him back home. “I’m here for the music.

Me and Yola got plans. Y'all just stay ready.”

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Lifestyle - Fashion

Keb’ Mo’ won Best Americana Album, Oklahoma.

Keb’ Mo’ was wearing black studded Cowboy outfit. He thanked his wife and many others, Roseanne Cash, Taj Mahal. “I just do the same thing I always do but try to do it a little bit better” Said Keb’ Mo’. The album was written over 4 years ago. All very personal songs. The songs “Don’t throw it away” and the title cut were written last.

“Oklahoma” is a tribute to the state of Oklahoma.

It’s also a tribute to everywhere in America. Native Americans, cowboys and rodeos. “Bridges” is a nod to the race riots in black Wall Street Riots where the white community came over and burned down the black community. “Rise” in the aesthetic of the Black American Cowboys. The early cowboys were African American. It was a Bluegrass violin solo over the Afro Cuban beat. I like to mix genres in a transparent way.

Best World Music, “Celia,” a tribute to Celia Cruz by Angelique Kidjo. “The first time I heard Celia she came to Benin to sing. Salsa was always a male dominated music.

She was so happy that a woman was the leader of the band. My gender cannot be a burden it should be my wings to fly. Pay tribute to her because she showed that a woman can do anything that 60| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Lifestyle - Fashion met Celia in Paris in her dressing room. Everybody in the audience were on their feet and singing when Angelique Kidjo came to the stage. Life is about joy and celebration. If you wake up above ground, it’s a miracle. Talked about wave of new African music. Burna Boy. Whisky, Go to South Africa.

What has allowed the music form Africa to travel so quickly is technology.” She said, “This is for Africa” while holding up her Grammy.

Some other notable artists that you did not get to see to accept their awards were Anderson .Paak. A native of Oxnard, CA who started out as a drummer in his local church. He walked away with two Grammys, .BEST R&B PERFORMANCE for “Come Home” and Best R&B ALBUM FOR “Ventura.”

BEST R&B ALBUM

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Lifestyle Gloria Gaynor is back on the scene after her smash Disco hit: I Will Survive” winning Best Roots Gospel Album for Testimony. She floated up to the stage like the diva she is wearing a beautiful pink flowing gown with wave patterned sequins. It has been 40 years since she stood here and accepted an award.

I love Gloria Gaynor. I remember singing that anthem to a past boyfriend when I was breaking up with him. Love it! I am so happy for her,.

She says” No one can stop you from getting what I (God) have for you except for you.” She is so pretty and glowing. She thanked her international audience. A long time coming. A dream comes true. Mission accomplished. The only year that there was a Disco category in which she won, Gloria said, “I feel really good about Disco music. It is the only music in the history of music to bring together everybody from every age, race and ethnic group.

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Lifestyle Feature Trombone Shorty and The Preservation Jazz Band performed the New Orleans style second line music as a tribute to all of the people who transitioned in the music industry this year as a montage of their pictures scrolled across the screen.

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Lifestyle - Fashion Feature

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Lifestyle

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Lifestyle - Fashion

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Feature - Grammys Lifestyle

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Lifestyle - Fashion Feature

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Lifestyle

Lizzo opens the 62nd Annual Tele-cast.

She wore a sparling sequined black gown. She was a Beautiful BBW. She shined. Singing her song “Cuz I love you” in tribute to Kobe, shouting “tonight is for Kobe!” Then segued into “Truth Hurts” with plus size black ballerina as her dancers and a flute solo. She finished her set with her psychedelic Hip-hop bodysuit shouting “Welcome to the Grammy’s Bitch!”

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Lifestyle

On my way to the Grammy’s I had a sense of foreboding. It was a gloomy day, not a great day for an Awards ceremony. I said to my friend, I hope nothing happens like it did years ago when Biggie died when the Soul Train Awards were in town.

Then we encountered a black guy who was selling water bottles on Manchester and Crenshaw who mentioned something about a helicopter crash. We went into a store and people were crying. That’s when we found out that Kobe was in that crash. It was surreal. When I got to the Staple center the flags were at half mast and all the electronic billboards had pictures of Kobe smiling. That’s when it hit me, and I felt a bit teary eyed.

Not surprisingly this 62nd Grammy Awards is overshadowed by the tragic unexpected transition of one of Los Angele’s heroes Kobe Bryant and his oldest daughter Gianna who we all saw grow up. However, the show must go on. We must honor those who deserve honor today. Nipsey Hustle was also a bittersweet award as he was not here to accept the award as his brother brought up. He felt that he would win this year, and he did posthumously receive the Grammy he deserved.

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Lifestyle that do it best. She says that we’re literally standing here heart broken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.

She sang the Boys to Men song” The End of the Road.

“It’s so hard to say goodbye to what we had. It so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

Alicia sang a song adaptation to “I’m kinda getting used to being someone you love” to a Grammy theme. She covered all the stars different genres of music and she also mentioned the impeachment. Jonas Bros. performed “Give Me Five More Minutes” segue into “What A Man Gotta Do” with a dance routine like footloose with a full orchestra backing them up.

Prince tribute by Usher and Sheila E. started with “Red Corvette” segue to “When Doves Cry” dancing with a live band and a pole dancer in a ballerina outfit. Folding seamlessly into “Kiss” think I wanna dance with a long dance sequence featuring some of Princes signature moves. The performance ended with all performers turning backward and pointing to a huge picture of The beautiful One, Prince.

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Lifestyle

Sheila E says that she met Prince in the Bay Area.

Prince tributes coming up.

The Grammys are doing a two-hour tribute. Sheila E is the musical director.

Minneapolis is planning a lot of tributes for his birthday. She was asked about the performance and she said that twigs chose not to sing but to dance because she didn’t have her pack and it would get in the way of dancing, so she chose to do the pole dance instead. It was important for Usher to choose the songs.

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Common on stage to present the next act, first said “Alicia you light this award up and we need your heart.” The he introduced Aerosmith singing their legendary song “Walk This Way.” then “We’re Living On the Edge’ reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” for its social commentary. Tyler then said “Get the Fuck out of my face then launched into “Walk This Way again,”as Run DMC breaks down the wall and joins them in a Rap/Rock convergence. Reverend Run held up a Kobe #24 Jersey.

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Lifestyle By: E. L. Johnson b w d a I t o n I t

Not just Friday night but more pointedly it was VALENTINE’S DAY, a day to celebrate “love” in all its splendor and iterat ions. Apparently, the editor gave me this assignment assuming that a person of my appearance and circumstance had nowhere else to go. I had options. Plenty, I say! (pause) That is my story and I am sticking with it.

“Up from the Streets” screened triumphantly at the 27th Annual PanAfrican Film Festival in Los Angeles.

I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Director, Michael Murphy, a life-time NOLA resident, and Producer, Cilista Eberle, both jazz aficionados who share a deep-seated devotion to New Orleans and the preservation of the city’s soulful music tradition, and giving every indication that this film’s creation was a “labor of love.”

Music, emanating everywhere in the city, exists as more than just entertainment but rather as the city’s heartbeat and life force. One, such as me who has never experienced New Orleans live, may foolishly believe that parties and swinging beads represent New Orleans, but not so. This thoughtful presentation of New Orleans Jazz attempts to dispel those myths while giving an honest portrayal of New Orleans Jazz’s development. No doubt U.S. 74| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Lifestyle history is beset with the shadow of racism and the shame of slave trafficking. But this film, not hiding from these distasteful facts, starts with a frank discussion of the untoward circumstances providing a backdrop for the power and unifying effect of this city’s music that fused African drum, Cuban syncopation, European influence and even opera. With all stories, you can’t change history or difficult circumstances but you can conquer these obstacles and here, through the preservation of the powerful New Orleans Jazz will be a good start to that end.

In my opinion, this film structurally seeks to educate and inform, but does so in a disarming and entertaining way , like that cool teacher who made class “fun” and when roaming the halls later, one realizes, like a grenade, “Wait, I learned something”! Through Mr. Murphy’s delightful film structure and employing the powerful presence of the film’s music director and host, Terence Blanchard, viewers experienced, through thoughtful interviews, dotted with virtuoso performances both current and vintage, a lens to New Orleans Jazz’s , ranging from African Drums of Congo Square to present-day, traditional Jazz to present to Hip-Hop and BOUNCE. Director, Michael Murphy stated, “The music of New Orleans became not only a celebration of life but also, at times, an expression of a want, need, and desire for freedom”. I whole-heartedly but I will also add that NOLA citizens share a sense of belonging that perhaps only a citizen will truly understand. It is about sharing, perhaps a sense of family, and I might even say, a healing and unifying force, “LOVE.” Mar/Apr Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 75

Lifestyle The editor joked that I might “meet someone while standing in line to buy popcorn.” That didn’t happen. However, I did fall in love with this film, the passion of the film makers, New Orleans and, of course the sweet music. I guess I had something to celebrate on Valentine’s Day after all.

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New CD Releases 2020

Boney James “Solid” 04/17/20 BUY

Kurt Elling “Secrets Are The Best Stories” 04/0320 BUY

Lindsey Webster “A Woman Like Me” 03/27/20 BUY

Warren Wolf “Reincarination” 02/28/20 BUY

Vincent Ingala “Echoes Of The Heart” 02/21/20 BUY

Alicia Keys “Alicia Keys” 02/20/20 BUY

Gerey Johnson “You Didnt Know” 02/10/20 BUY

Rob Tardik “Diversity” 020720 BUY

Mike Phillips “Pulling Off The Covers” 01/24/20 BUY

CD Review By: Mia Howard

When Kev Marcus (Kevin Sylvester) and Wil B (Wil Baptiste) come together on the violin and the viola you know you are in for a treat. Whether they are collaborating with Alicia Keys, 2 Chainz, Linkin Park or Wu-Tang, or playing center stage at one of their own 200 or more concerts per year, they make sure that they transcend all genres of music to create a sound that is entertaining and intriguing.

The bandmates who met in Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale Florida, have went into the studio again to create in my opinion their best body of work, Take the Stairs. I didn’t think they could create a CD better than Stereotypes, but I believe they did with their latest release. Black Violin is not suggesting you take the stairs for exercise, but for hope. Take the Stairs is about taking life to another level. It is about not settling for the things in life you don’t like, but to change what you can and rising above what you can’t.

Take the Stairs begins the musical journey of hope with Rise. Rise is the overture to this musical masterpiece. It is orchestrated as if it is the opening of a stage production. Rise gives the listener a glimpse of what is to come in the remainder of the CD. It is symphonic, melodic and just long enough for you to yearn for more.

One Step comes in like an army marching to victory. The pulsating drums, vocals and strings are a futuristic blend of hip-hop. You can’t help but feel victorious after hearing “One Step.” Showoff is just that, a showing off of the skills of Black Violin.

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CD Review This cut is played at a rapid -fire pace like Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee.” Black Violin plays this cut with ease and perfection.

Every note is clean and crystal clear.

Black Violin is known for the mash-up of genres and they don’t disappoint when they mesh Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings with a hip-hop vibe on Serenade.

The classical nor the hip-hop drown out one another, but complement one another. This would be a perfect selection to introduce classical or hip-hop to someone who’s not familiar with one of the genres.

One of my favorite cuts is “Lost in the Garden.”

Black Violin features vocalist Salaam Remi on this song. The garden is metaphoric of the world we live in and the choices we make. Salaam’s soulful voice reminds us that we can be lost in the garden, but there is a crossroad with a train coming. Salaam inquires; “What will we do?”

Will we take the train or let it pass by?

Black Violin blends soul and rock to make this h head bobbing cut a song you must hear.

If you are a Black Violin fan Take the Stairs will solidify your love of them and their music. If you have not heard Black Violin “Take the Stairs” will make you a fan.

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CD Review By: Althea Turner

This new album from Adam Hawley has #1 written all over it. From the moment you start listening, you will not want to skip a song. Doesn’t matter which song you start with or the order; just shuffle and listen. They’re all #1-worthy, in my opinion.

Speaking of #1 . . . His first single, “To The Top,” reached #1 Billboard within the first week of release and #1 Spincrease in week two. The single features saxophonist Jeff Ryan, and it’s #1 for a reason. They each have solo parts but when they come together, it’s a complimentary sound from each. What can I say ... I’m partial to guitar and sax when they come together.

Jeff is not the only featured artist. Oh no. He brought several other artist friends along on his latest album, and if you’re a fan of Adam’s, you know he has some really great friends. Let’s see, there’s Rick Braun, Marcus Anderson, Najee, Michael Lington and Kat Hawley (as in Mrs. Adam Hawley). Kat performs a duet with her husband on “Seniorita.” This song, originally recorded by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, highlights Adam’s talent at making his guitar speak to you. He expertly plays each note and his lovely wife sings each word with him. They did a fantastic job putting their own personal spin to an already fantastic song.

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CD Review The title track, “Escape,” comes with some great Adam Hawley guitar. I picture him on stage playing this, eyes closed, and just feeling every note. It’s a lot of sound coming from this track, from the bass to Rick Braun on trumpet. This track is well-deserving to be the title track.

“Rain” is one of THE most beautiful guitar compositions I’ve ever heard. I have to close my eyes when I hear this one, as there’s no other way to feel or explain where it takes you. I can only suggest you hear every note, and highly recommend you put it in heavy rotation. If you get the opportunity to see him perform this live, do so. He does not disappoint! Thank you Adam.

Love that flute, love that guitar. “Thinking of You,” featuring Najee, has that mellow groove that lets you know Adam can keep it funky OR mellow, but in a soulful way. He’s really good at this. Remember “Can You Feel It” from his Double Vision album?

Saxman, Marcus Anderson, mixed his spices with Adam and his guitar on “Can’t Stop.” This track has so much flavor in it. Again, the bass comes through and gives out that head-bobbing vibe. Think summer fun. Ah yeah!!!!

This is Adam’s third album. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard any of his music I didn’t feel.

On this latest album, I felt blues, I felt soul, I felt jazz. This album had me feeling good all over. It’s just one of those “sit back and let me take you there” albums. I have mad respect to any guitarist who has that talent. I think we should just save everyone some time and just name ALL the songs #1. Yeah, I said it! Now go get your copy of this amazing piece of work!!!

Congratulations Adam and keep dreaming.

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CD Review By: Brandon Foster

You may know Kandace Springs from the tribal -sounding smooth jazz hit, “Don’t Need the Real Thing.” This jazzy soul sister lives up to the title of her new Blue Note release, “The Women Who Raised Me.” One might think that the title suggests of her rearing by a single mother, aunties, grandma and other female relatives. It actually refers to this 31-year -old paying homage to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Bonnie Raitt, Sade, Diana Krall, and Lauryn Hill with her delicious interpretation of a dozen melodies.

Opening track “Devil-may-care” is a jubilant sound that is similar to a ballroom conducted by Dizzy Gillespie in the 1940s. You will be put under “a spell” with the saxophonic stylings from David Sanborn and beautiful, colorful scats evocative of Nina Simone. Trumpeter Avishai Cohen is featured on “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Pearls,” two songs of desperation and yearning. Characteristic of many songs by Sade, the melancholy latter tune is a third-person narrative. Lauryn Hill would be Mar/Apr Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 85

CD Review tickled with the remake of the slowpaced “Ex-factor” with its Afrocentric elements. The conclusion is obviously a solemn glimpse on the evils of racism, metaphorically exposing this modern issue still ongoing.

You can hear the agony in Kandace’s voice as she thrives to recapture the essence of Billie Holiday. This powerful collection of cover melodies will bring you to appreciate vocalists of yesteryear with live instrumentation that will leave you speechless.

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Festival CD Review - Photos By: Erika Nash

A Double LIVE CD

Chris Standring, a jazz guitarist, displays a real steady flow of riffs and melodic vibrations with his album Real Life. His first track, “Is There a Doctor in The House,” starts with a unison sound of vocals that make way for the guitar to come in. This is a nice upbeat tune to start the day. The sun is out with a nice cool breeze.

Maybe a walk on the beach with some thirstquenching lemonade. It’s a feel-good song that puts a smile on your face.

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Festival CD Review - Photos Next up is, “Out of The Blue,” wooing you in with the drumbeat and some nice keys whispering in your ears. And next, there appears from around the corner-the guitar which explains the whole experience of the song. Just when you think you understand it all, there is a nice funky shift that takes you even higher.

The guitar becomes even more pronounced, reminding the listeners of its influence.

“Whatever She Wants”- The guitar boldly voices what the intentions are. Make no mistake this tune won’t leave you guessing. The strong fancy fingering of the guitar lets you know that there’s no explanation needed, but just in case you don’t understand, Chris doesn’t mind repeating towards the end. Take a listen to those accents of surprises.

Delightfully airy and subtle “In Other Words” starts off and in walks the guitar to tell its story. This pleasant sweet-sounding tune leads into the early evening. As the sun is going down, it’s a nice song to listen to while having a delicious meal outdoors and later some dancing. To continue the evening of good listening music, “Shake You Up” will do just that.

This is a high energy, finger-snapping, headbobbing jam. With some fancy fingering on guitar paired with some tantalizing key chords.

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CD Review

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Beginning with some Neo-Soul vibes, “What Goes Around” has subtle vocals that take a humble back seat. At some points throughout this track, the guitar and soft vocals seem to speak to one another, but later on, the guitar carries the conversation quite well. Another one that reaches the soul is, “Living the Poetry” which starts with a strong funk influence that comes in with some sweet vocals. If you enjoy a strong funky jam, “Living the Poetry” is a song you can put on repeat.

The shakers, the keys, oh my! “Another Train” takes on a gentle soothing tempo. That guitar is saying, “Come cruise away with me on a yacht and sail around the world. The answer: “Yes, I’ll go.” What a relaxing tender composition.

“Tell Me a Bedtime Story” takes you into a dream state where anything is possible. The guitar and bass are like best friends in this tune, however, the guitar tells most of the story with those electrifying jazz chords.

Bossa Nova, Africana, heart-throbbing beats and bass lines, 70’s influenced keys and guitar, let me introduce you to, “This Place is a Mess:” A treat to behold.

Lastly, “Bach Prelude #1 From 1st Cello Suite,” which is a lovely rendition. I feel triumphant while listening to Let the music take you… Mar/Apr

CD Review Lastly, “Bach Prelude #1 From 1st Cello Suite,” which is a lovely rendition. I feel triumphant while listening to this song.

When you feel you’ve already won those strings take you to an even higher victory; such an inspirational piece to hear while on the brink of a break-through.

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CD Review

By: Keivu G. Knox

Carol Albert is an artist that has gained a solid following over the years, as she has released seven albums since 1992. She is a respected pianist and vocalist within smooth jazz circles and has achieved significant Billboard Chart success. It is with her most recent album, the appropriately titled “Stronger Now,” that many will see her as a stronger and more confident artist and performer.

The title track kicks off the album, and is driven by Albert on piano and Lew Laing on drums. It has a memorable melody and an encouraging arrangement that makes you feel strong and empowered as you are listening. This song effectively sets the tone for the rest of the album, as distinctive hooks and melodies are prevalent throughout. “Sun's Out” is another song that takes a strong melody and arrangement and makes you feel the warmth of the music. It was a Top 10 Billboard hit for Albert, and still continues to receive significant airplay on multiple music outlets.

Albert allows her band to showcase their strengths, and it’s done rather effortlessly. From Paul Brown's acoustic guitar, to the horns of Lee Thornberg driving the melody, to Lil John Roberts laying a firm pocket on drums, this is the type of song that will provide the soundtrack to virtually any occasion.

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CD Review

While the pace of the album remains fairly consistent, Albert is not afraid to change to pace to keep the listener attentive. On “Femme Flight”, she calls on Ragan Whiteside to provide her signature sounds on flute, and compliments that with a lovely sax performance by Magdalena Chovancova. It’s a great collaboration that saw great success on the Billboard Charts, reaching #4 last year. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Albert’s performance of “I Am Fine” may be the most memorable. It serves as a tribute to her late husband, as lyrically it almost sounds like a letter to him, encouraging him that she has been able to keep things moving along. It’s a vocal performance that is filled with honesty and emotion, and serves as an outlet for Albert to convey what could be a difficult message for some to deliver.

For Carol Albert, this album proves to be a fairly consistent album that takes you on an emotional ride. By the end of Stronger Now, thanks to Albert’s clear direction, you will be thankful that you went on the musical trip.

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Festival - Photos

CD Review

I enjoyed reading the magazine on the app! It was easy to follow. Easy to navigate. And, most of all, very informative! Thanks again for sharing. Keep GREAT music and TALENTED artist alive!

Rhonda McDaniel Swann

FREE PREVIEW

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CD Review

By: Giget C. Johnson

I’m in love, with Love, with the idea of a pu re love, a true love, a love that does not die, a love whose fire burns on and on into infinity love for eternity. Call me a dreamer if you wish.

I’d like to think that I’m an optimistic realist, who dreams of finding an everlasting love.

“All Rise” is an ode to love. It’s a love story of every kind of love. Love for God. Love for self. Love for others. Love for that special one. “All Rise” oozes love that will cause a hot tear to run down your face. It will literally make the hairs on your arms stand up. It calls for an embrace of your body to come forth from out of nowhere.

My favorite song on this album is “If Love is Overrated”, which is a real tearjerker, perhaps because it beckons for every fool in love to stay that way. I mean, for me, I dwell in a love world – it’s where I reside, if only in my head. I am safe there for I know how to love and even when there is no one to join me, I know how to love myself. And that is the “Real Truth.”

The lyrics of “Real Truth” says “you can leave your ego at the door. When you come inside you won’t need it no more. This is no ire of make believe. Open your mind and you will see the real truth.” Everyone needs someone with whom they can just be. No pretending. Just butt naked truth. Someone with whom you can 96| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Mar/Apr

CD Review sit on the floor in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, sunlight shining in; all is exposed.

Your weakness, your imperfections, your frailties, your negative characteristics, your shortcomings are all muddled together with your kindness, your charm, your beauty, and your strength. You, in your real truth, are exposed. Your lover walks in to find you there, and instead of turning to walk away or beckoning you to come, he comes to you, lowers himself to the floor, accepting of you on full display, an expo of sorts, and reveal to you that wherever you are is where he wants to be; whatever state you are in, good, bad or ugly, he loves you. When you are ready, he is strong enough to help you RISE! And for you, the strong one, “Everything You Touch Is Gold”. You don’t have to dig too deep to find your effect on me. This is that one person who can put a “spit shine” on you. Cause you to glow. That’s why my soul is shining. . . . It feels like heaven touching your hand, calling your name, sitting near you, . . . Somebody’s gonna have to bring me back to the ground.

This brings me to “Concorde” – the opening song on the album; it is a real super-hero’s theme song, an empowerment song, one that makes you imagine your best self. Ladies, if he does not make you feel like you can fly, he’s got more work to do! If he does not make you feel like you can make your dreams a Mar/Apr Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 97

CD Review reality, he’s got more work to do.

If he’s not making moves on your behalf, positioning you, with or without your permission, to succeed, then he’s got more work to do. “Concorde” causes you to look inside and find belief in your ability to do all that you desire to do, to become all that you desire to be.

And at the end of the day, when you’re ready to take your cape off, as you descend from “60,000 feet up in the air, . . . to 30,000 feet, . . . to 10,000 feet, “slicing through the stratosphere, twice the speed of sound”, upon your return from the Rise, before you touch the ground, your safety net casts out with open arms. Your landing pad is there waiting for you. Give that man a hand! He’s the real super-hero!

And he’s waiting there, like “Mr. Bojangles”, crooning “Follow me around. Get up on my merry go round”. Imagine Sammy Davis Jr. singing “Candy Man”, and you’ll get all the feels of “Merry Go Round”. An offer of the good life – “Just imagine a life full of lots of pretty dreams. Have a toast, if I may boast, and we’ll “spin around without a scream”. “You can choose the golden one too. I hope that I am good enough for you. You can change your horse, but that don’t change the course of my love. Follow me around. Follow me around, and around, and around, and around.” This song is made for those who really need a fairytale ending. I’ve never been one for merry-go-rounds; but at this age, I’ll take a knight in shining armor. All of this being independent is for the younger version of me.

Where is my hero?

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CD Review “Modern-Day Apprentice” has an opera-esque opening. “I’m a modern-day apprentice for your love. . . . If I have to work for free, it’ll be alright with me. I’m a modern-day apprentice for your love. . . . If I have to work all night, it’ll be alright. I’m a modern-day apprentice for your love.” . . . “I wanna write a few new pages to your book of love. . . .

What I write on those pages will help you work with me. I’m a modern-day apprentice for your love.”

A song about one who is willing to learn what is necessary to love you how you need to be loved. One who is willing to learn your love language and operate therein. . . . I’m taking applications for the apprenticeship. Sign-up sheet is posted at the door.

Anyone willing to learn your ways of love is one who will restore your “Faith In Love”. Dust off your dancing shoes, oil up your joints, bring your best two-step and cut a rug with your love. He’ll be drawn to snuggle up behind you, as his hips sway. He’s a smooth dancer. Feet moving. Head bopping. Grooving to the beat.

Let him lead. Give in. Relax. Go with the flow. He’s a better dancer anyway. Allow yourself to follow. Give in to love because you can trust him, his guidance – not just on the dance floor but also in life. He believes in you. He believes in love.

He believes in loving you. He has faith in love, and he has faith in you. He does not just say it, but he shows it in his actions. Let your guard down. It is ok to give love in return.

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CD Review We arrive in relationships as we are with each of our experiences, with the baggage from our past. Life can sometimes deal us a tough hand.

“Long List of Troubles” says “I’ve got no feel, that’s done left me scarred. What don’t kill me has done made me hard.” We learn how to survive disappointments and let downs. I’ve earned my degree from “the school of a hard knock, trapped between a rock and a hard place.” . . . “I’ve learned to breathe under water and lay fire to bed. I’m just a man under pressure, like Muddy Waters said. Disappointment can drop me from a thousand stories high. I’ve got a spare set of wings.

Watch me fly.” Do you need some encouragement to try again? Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and move forward. Love won’t kill you, but it might make you hard. Try again anyway.

“Phoenix” is an upbeat song of hope, for those of us who have loved and lost, and must consciously decide to love again after being hurt. Or maybe even for those whose fires have burned out. If we put in the work, unpack our baggage, work on ourselves, work on our love then we can get it right. “No love grows on its own. Left all alone, it’s inspired in me. Love, fallen from grace, can rise from the ashes and fall into place.” Love returns and rises from destruction. You can find love again. You can restore that love that was once there. “Love is just like a phoenix, it can fly; it can glow. . . . So let’s Rise! Rise! Rise!” Anything worth having is worth working for. Do the work!

Speaking of work . . . “You Can Join My Band” is the acceptance of you, as you are, with all of your baggage, unpacked. Life kicked your butt but you did the work and you’re back in the game. No one will give you a chance. Then lo and behold, someone comes along and takes you in, recog100| SmoothJazz Magazine

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CD Review

nizing that your life has not been easy, but they see your value and realize that your toughness is just a facade. “You write songs of love. But no one is a believer. But I’m listening. You got what I’m missing. You got that certain thing, that’ll make ‘em sing. You can join my band. . . . You can join me.” There is someone for all of us. You’d better find the one who’ll let you join their band, even when life has kicked you to the curb.

“Dad Gone Thing” is a revelatory song that our fathers make us who we are, whether by their presence or their absence. It’s a story of how our father’s guidance develops our being. A father’s love is priceless – so much so that fathers should be intentional in their actions with their children. For whether you do or if you don’t, we are yours and what you teach us makes us. From the mouth of Mr. Porter, one of the most talented singers ever, as he reflected on his relationship with his own father, “You didn’t teach me a dad gone thing, but how to sing.”

If his father didn’t do anything else right, he did that, for Mr. Porter has amazing talent! And my Dad didn’t do too bad either, if I must say so myself. This girl turned out OK! “Mister Holland” is a lighthearted song about teenage interracial dating, and how the father never made an issue of the male’s race and treated him kindly.

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CD Review The male in return ensured the father that his daughter would be safe. It touches on the fear of the parent of an African American male dating outside of his race, and how the color of his face may be an issue for some. It’s a reminder to treat everyone kindly. That we are all human and that love can be found across the different races and cultures. Love is color blind. People are not. We could all learn how to treat others from Mr. Holland.

“Merchants of Paradise” are sellers of God’s creation, no longer free. You plant your signs in the minds of children, who don’t know God for themselves yet. But someday they will live their lives in peace. Someday, they’ll go free and turn to the sun, and say where were you. This song is for a thinker beyond my spiritual and mental capacity. It is over my head. I either need to read The Bible or smoke a joint! Truthfully, I am not sure which.

“Revival” just like the name sounds, will lift your spirits. “You lift me higher, out of the fire, out of the flames. I lost the feeling but you give me meaning again. . . .

I’m singing Revival, Revival song.” This song for me is a love song to Jesus, whom I believe has the ability to take us from the lowest of lows and lift us higher than we can ever imagine. When no one else loves us, when we cannot even love ourselves, God’s love for us prevails. It’s the real pure, true and undying love.

“Thank You” is a song of gratitude to the Lord, God. It’s a downhome gospel upbeat tune.

Whatever I do, say, and sing is in your name. I will thank you. However I love is in your name.

All that I am, all that I will ever be, Lord I thank you.

“ALL RISE” deserves a standing ovation!

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Smooth Jazz Magazine

CD Review By: Avzal Ismail

When one of the greatest Big Bands on the planet decides to pay homage to one of greatest of jazz musicians and composers of all time you know that you need to brace yourself for one heck of a musical ride.

This then is what you can expect from the newest offering from Wynton Marsailis and the Lincoln Center Big Band (JLCO) doing the music of the great Wayne Shorter.

Shorter is nothing less than a living legend. Eleven Grammy awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from

the Recording Academy, countless releases many now considered historic, working with artists ranging from Miles Davis and Art Blakey to Weather Report, to his current outfit with the likes of Danilo Perez, Brian Blade, and John Patitucci, there is nothing that he hasn't done in a six-plus decade-spanning career.

As Wynton Marsalis says "He's at the highest level of our music, you can't get any higher than him."

In 2015 the formidable giant joined the Lincoln Center Big Band for three epic nights. The end result of that venture culminated in the release on the 31st of January 2020 of THE MUSIC OF WAYNE SHORTER. 104| SmoothJazz Magazine

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CD Review Members of JLCO arranged some beautifully intricate versions of some of his greatest compositions which include "Endangered Species" "Yes and No" and "Armageddon" amongst others. Listening to these one gets a new appreciation of Wayne Shorter who has contributed greatly towards expanding the known universe of jazz. He has released countless albums many of which are considered classics and have amassed a canon of lyrical, often introspective musical compositions that are now considered among the greatest compositions in the jazz repertoire.

With marvelous performances all around, this live album delivers in a big way...talk about bang for the buck. "The Music of Wayne Shorter" takes the music of Wayne Shorter to new dimensions with the big band backdrop it truly deserves.

All I can say is I wish I was there.

If you enjoy Wayne Shorter's music and you like the big band sound, then you will absolutely love this album.

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