MAY / JUN 2017
TM
Magazine
movie review I CALLED HIM MORGAN REMEMBERING
Sights & Sounds Of
62 08 Feature
47
62 Chieli Minucci - New CD
Interview: “Deep As The Night”
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Lifestyle
Festivals 43 Movie Review Trumpeter Lee Morgan 08 Haiti International Jazz Festival “PAP JAZZ” Sights & Sounds 47Exhibit: Grammy Museum Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald 100th 34 Berks Jazz Festival In Pictures Concerts 37 Jazz In The Park - In Pictures 53 17th Annual Starlight New Orleans: Treme Crab Festival Serenade Benefit Concert Preservation Hall 40 Festival Guide - May/Jun 56 Jazz Band - In Pictures 59 Grooves at the Westin Remembering Peter White and Friends 50 Chuck Berry - in Pictures CD Releases 71 New CD’s
CD Reviews 72 Patti LaBelle Bel Hommage 74 Trombone Shorty Parking Lot Symphony 77 Daniel Chia In The Moment 79 Chick Corea The Musician 83 Threestyle Smooth Ride 85 Billy Childs Rebirth 89 Joey DeFrancesco And The People Project Freedom
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SmoothJazz Jazz Art Jackson— Publisher/CEO May / June 2015 Doris Gee- - Research Manager Mann—Graphic Artist
Smooth Jazz Magazine Inc. 3715 Midvale Ave. Suite #6 Los Angeles, CA 90034
Contributing Writers
E-Mail: info@smoothjazzmag.com
Avzal Ismail
Cape Town, SA
Keivu G. Knox
Charlotte
Shena Ross
Charlotte
Web: www.smoothjazzmag.com
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Mark Eyton Williams Cologne, Germany
reproduced or transmitted
Carla Maniscalco
Denver
in any form or by any means
Carolyn Beverly
Houston
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Los Angeles
the publisher.
Shumon Hutchinson Los Angeles Ahlia Love
Philadelphia
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New Orleans
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New York
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Palm Springs Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 05
THE WHITE HOUSE PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS “Love of music and the arts brings us together, and celebrates the richness of American culture and our spirit of curiosity and creativity. Music and art serve as one of America’s greatest exports, and support jobs for creators in cities, towns and rural areas across the country. The White House proposal to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts is shortsighted and alarming. The modest support that we provide to music and the arts is returned many times over, whether measured in jobs and economic impact, or sheer cultural enrichment and introspection. The Recording Academy will ask Congress to maintain funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and renew our commitment to America’s creators.” Neil Portnow
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Festival - Haiti the Sights & Sounds
“We want the world to see that Haiti has so much more to offer than all the negative news that you see on Television.” Joël Widmaier
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Festival - Haiti the Sights & Sounds
BY: Shena Ross Although I do not speak the native languages of Haiti, I was still able to appreciate the melodic pattern of the language itself, and though I may not know what some of these wonderfully gifted musicians were saying directly, I was able to gain a clear sense of their intent and underlying messages. Simply stated, music allows us to speak with one another in a universal language. Immersing myself in a new country and the discovery of unknown customs and music, I allowed myself to be lost in the language of music. With acts originating from different lands such as Belgium, Canada, Chile, Cuba, France, Germany, Haiti, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Switzerland, United States and of course Haiti, it wasn’t long before I knew that discovery would not be a goal difficult to achieve.
Danilo Perez Panama
I was there to attend the Annual Port au Prince International Jazz Festival (PAPJazz Fest.) This year marks the 11th edition to this annual music event. With a resiliency as bold as the sounds of metallic brilliance, that pervades a trumpet’s bell, despite the most recent natural disaster of Hurricane Matthew that struck Haiti exactly five Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 09
months ago, PAPJazz event organizer and President of the Haiti Jazz Foundation, Joël Widmaier, was not deterred. Eager to offer attendees a vast range of unique and diverse expressions within the jazz spirit, the festival showcased over two dozen musicians from 13 countries. Running from March 4-11. The first day of the event kicked off at The Sugar Cane Historical Park (“Parc Historique de la Canne à Sucre”). Eager fans took their seats and happily awaited performances by Canadian jazz vocalist and pianist, Carol Welsman and Haitian/USA vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles with special guest Christian Scott. Mid performances were briefly interrupted by rain showers, but that did not deter the fans. People sought refuge under covered tents, while the artists mingled and had fun with photo ops in the green room. Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez closed the evening with an after party at Quartier Latin restaurant, where parts of the patio was subjected to the rain, but the packed house enjoyed their dinner as the band continued without missing a beat . 10| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds
L'Observatoire de Boutilliers offers outdoor seating, which allows you to experience an amazing open view of the country below. Once you get a glimpse of the view you immediately start taking pictures of the many beautiful angles. This particular outing was special as the promoters of the PAPJAZZ festival (Joel Widmaier and Milena Sandler) joined us for lunch. We got to do a Q&A session as they talked about their hopes and dreams for future festivals as their main goal is to help promote tourism for the country of Haiti by being able to bring in more top American jazz artists as their wish list of performers is long. The staff at the observatory was very accommodating to special requests along with a full bar. The restaurants offer daily specials and each dish ordered were presented with a excellent flair and each entree tasted exquisitely. Just outside the restaurant entrance is a wide selection of souvenirs and vendors that sell everything from handcrafted jewelry, pottery and paintings. A definite must add to your tour list.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds Having performed on opening night (Saturday) and then again on Monday, Carol won over the crowd during each performance especially, the second night when she sang a tune in Creole. The crowd gave an arousing applause. Speaking with Carol the next morning over breakfast, she stated that she was nervous as she closed the evening at the Universite Quisqueya venue performing right after the Sebastian Schune Qartet who had more of an up-tempo set compared to her more melodic show, and not knowing how the crowd would respond was a concern. When I expressed how the crowd were amazed at her singing in Creole, she beamed with delight and began to explained how that song came about. Stating that a close DJ friend of hers who lives in Toronto sent her the song to learn and she had been practicing it for some time and decided to put it in the show. So she was glad to know that it was well received. When I talked to JoĂŤl (the promoter) he too was taken by the song, saying that her pronunciation and diction was perfect and that the people really appreciates artists when they speak or sing to them in Creole.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds The Rum Tour filled with the history, the process and the tasting ended with everyone buying several bottles from the oldest rumry in the land. Located in Damiem, a midst the sugar cane plantation, we were got a firsthand view of how the process begins and ends. As piles of dried sugar cane is placed in large shredders all juices are extracted into a mush and cleaned and wash thru various processes that some of which are heavily secretive. So much so that various locations in the plant, pictures were not allowed to be taken. Excitement from the tour guests arose while viewing the bottling process. Being able to see the various sizes from pocket to liter was fascinating. But partaking in the actual sipping of the finished product was the main event. Not to sip on empty stomachs, a lite brunch of nuts, breads, and sauces were provide which also help clear the pallet as samples of different aged bottles were open. Since we were surrounded by sugar cane fields I asked if we could sample a actual stick, but regrettably all the canes had been used for the making of the sugar cane refreshment. It was sweet, refreshing and non-alcoholic. Sadly to say, the owner of Barbancourt recently passed a week prior to our arrival. A son and daughter also works at the plant and its safe to say that one of them will take control of the business. Here's wishing them continued success. 14| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds Review By: Shena Ross
ELIZABETH CHARLES
SARAH After her performance on opening night I had the distinct pleasure to have a sit down with the beautiful Haitian-American jazz vocalist, composer and musician, Sarah Elizabeth Charles. Ms. Charles is currently working on a new album entitled, Free of Form with an anticipated release set for September of this year. We began our interview with a discussion about her last album entitled, Inner Dialog in which Charles describes the take on the project as an intimate look inward at her own universe and at her own creative journey to focus on the development of her sound. In her process to Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 15
Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds lyrically “push the boundaries� Charles enlisted co-producer and Grammy-nominated trumpeter and composer Christian Scott to help serve as a catalyst. In her collaboration with Scott Sarah was able to lyrically bring out parts of her past that were previously reserved. In the album, she is honest and open. Sarah states that in the album she was able to tell her full story in a candid way and still be very successful in terms of getting people to connect, without having to generalize her lyrics in order to get others to relate. In addition working on her upcoming album Sarah is also involved in a non-profit organization, called Rise2Shine and actively works as a teaching artist and conducts songwriting workshops with the youth at Carnegie Hall, a position that has also afforded her a rewarding opportunity to work every other week in a NY state maximum prison correctional facility where she is now a lead artist and teaches workshops in writing and arranging music to the inmates. Her work contribution at Carnegie Hall has allowed Sarah to work with various group of adults and specifically children from all over 16| SmoothJazz Magazine
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“As artists it’s really important for us to be that lens and look at the world and then be reflectors of it through our art. “ and diverse demographics, an experience that is not taken for granted and without a doubt gave inspirational fodder to her upcoming album. In her current album that she is working on Sarah decided to turn the lens from her inner world and aim it to the outer world. Her upcoming album is called, “Free of Form” which is an attempt to push her music sonically in a completely new direction. A natural process, she adds “And also in recognition for me as a songwriter that my music is no longer exclusively about my relationships or my inner world in struggles.” In her personal and work experiences it wasn’t long before Sarah recognized that her music began to shift directions and as she puts it, “the music began to turn itself away from me.” Her goal is clear. Her mission is to connect with people. Sarah finds it incredibly interesting to see the process as she explains, “Self exploration is an important process for all human beings. As artists it’s really important for us to turn that lens and to look at the world and then be reflectors of it through our art. To see the way that music and art has opened up their minds and their world. We take for granted, its sort of a given, or it supposed to be that part of our experience as creative beings is that we get to explore parts of ourselves and comment on the world in this creative and amazing way and comment on our own exLet the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 17
Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds perience, but I don’t think we realize how lucky we are to be able to do that, and when we see other people experience it for the first time I think it helps us get out of our space.” “You have to recognize and identify that each there’s only one of us on this planet there’s no one else like you. If your mission is anything else in life it needs to be to explore your individuality and get to the crux of who you are as a person. If you really take the time to explore that and dig very deeply then you’re going to be able to identify your talents; you’re going to be able to be happy, you’re going to be able to have a healthy life and healthy relationships, and you’re going to be able to soar!”
Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds The Karibe Hotel nestled in one of the hill sides of Port Au Prince, a sweeping view of the mountains was a pleasant view to open the curtains to. The rooms are spacious and airy and the beds cozy. With all the modern conveniences from a full-service spa, gym, business center, tennis court, outdoor pool to free Wi-Fi in the rooms and throughout premises you could get connected. The property featured 2 restaurants, I frequent the breakfast buffet with its variety of appetizing sweet seasonal fruits and a mix of Haitian and international cuisine ranging from scramble eggs with fish to a made to order omelets. The other restaurant which is located on the hotel’s roof top that overlooks a beautiful landscape of the city by day and that hosts after parties from the festival. At night the interior designs showcased a long gated fireplace and water design on the sitting patio with the outside bar. As the host hotel, it was common seeing artists arriving and mingling in the lobby before heading out to sound check in the afternoon. The beautiful open air lobby was a inviting relaxing area that had a full bar and televisions that showed various sporting events. The luscious and spaces green gardens provided a shaded walking path while in and outdoor events could be easily accommodated on the grounds.. From the moment of arriving the reception desk staff was warm and helpful. And the working crews are extremely polite and professional. Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 19
Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds
Marcel KrĂśmker, Sebastian Schunke , Dan Freeman, Deigo Pinera The Germany quartet with its laid back to up-tempo jazz kept everyone engaged from song to song.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds And from one extreme to another Dan Freeman on Sax worked up a sweat while providing a great stage presence doing his various solo’s, easily becoming a crowd favorite. Bassist Marcel Krömker, was steady as he showcased some nice grooves during his moments to shine. Deigo Pinera, without saying a word, provide comic relief as his drum playing brought cheers and as sounds from the drums where so over the top. You can check out Deigo latest CD “My Pictures” by Diego Pinera Trio at: http://www.octason-records.com/ Sometimes we forget how artists are great music fans as well. Sebastian reminded us of this fact as he stated in between songs that he was so thrilled to be sharing the stage with one of the artists that he greatly admires in Gonzalo Rubalcaba. During the after party, we mentioned how much we really enjoyed the song “Ella” that he played. Sebastian, shared that it was from his latest CD “Genesis. Mystery and Magic” and how the baby on the cover was whom the song was written for. Take a listen, I am sure you will enjoy this CD as much as we did hearing it live.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds
When visiting Port-au-Prince, a stop at the Village Artistique de Noailles is a must. The village is a iron-working community of great artisans who take old metal drums and recycle them into converted pieces of hand-made art. There, you are able to discover some beautifully unique. When not in school, a 13-year- old learns a trade. The village folks are hard-working friendly and gracious people who are willing to negotiate with you to ensure that you leave with that piece of art, jewelry, painting or hand-embroidered beaded item that you really love.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds
Definitely one who beats to a different drummer, when asked who inspired her to become a drummer she said without missing a beat, “No one, I inspired myself.” France artist of the year in 2016, the soft spoken Paceo is still down to earth, as well as a great sense of humor. Her love for the music literally shows on her face as the constant smile lights up the stage. But while listening to her music you can hear that she approaches her craft with a seriousness that any of the jazz greats pass or present would want to sat in on a set with her. With her latest CD “Circles” the humble artist exclaims when asked, are you singing on it? “No, I got a real singer to do that.” The 12-track blend of smooth and traditional selections will accompany any mood or setting that you desire for a enjoyable listening pleasure.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds There is so much more to Haiti than what you see and hear on the 6 o'clock news. The National Museum of Haiti documents a culture rich in heritage from the slave trade to the royalty of Kings and Queens as you feel the pain and the jubilation of Kings taking a divided north and south Haiti and uniting it into one. From Kings to Presidents the history of the nation can be told by the many variations of the national flags, or by the beautiful canvas of artwork as artists vividly capture the struggles, hopes, and dreams for the country. I would suggest in taking the tour with a guide, as the detail explanations of the artwork make them come alive even more. One of many proud moments on display is a flag that traveled on Apollo 11 to the moon. As it now sits on top of a moon rock. With many museums, art galleries and sidewalk painters any taste and budgets can find works of art to proudly be displayed once you are back home.
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds Erol Josué secretary of Culture Minister and Ethnologic and Voodoo Museum Director.
Port-au-Prince has created its own locally produced brand of chips called Papito’z. Papito’z has successfully managed to infuse all the rich and vibrant flavors of the culture into tasty packages. Papito’z chips come in four varieties: plantain, sweet potato, potato, and breadfruit. All come in Onion and Sour Cream flavor. All natural and made with only five ingredients the chips are fresh, the flavors are bold and the taste is addicting.
The sweet taste of Haiti. Makaya Chocalat. Filled with various fruit flavors along with the rich chocolate and smooth buttery flavor of the white chocolate, there is no wonder that the company is having sweet success. Approaching its first-year anniversary the company is expanding to the US soon and starting next month a kiosk will be at the local airport. https://
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds Ronald TULLE
Tony Chasseur
Michael Alibo
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Festivals - Haiti the Sights & Sounds I cannot thank everyone who made this a wonderful experience, as I would surely do it again. However, to the following, I had to simply say a personal Thank You!
Coralie Gardere, Milena Sandler, Joel Widmaier and Stephanie Armand.
Joel Widmaier, with all the things that can happen as a promoter in putting on an event, dealing with all the artists and their requirements, I appreciate the moments that you took time to chit chat with everything going on around you and seeing your showmanship on stage, it was clear that the crowd considers you a home town favorite son. Milena Sandler, it truly was my pleasure in meeting you. It seemed as I was meeting an old friend due to our many emails during the course of last year, and as Director seeing your tireless efforts in doing whatever needed to be done, but always with a smile. Thank you for inviting me. Stephanie Armand, thanks for being a wonderful host, by making sure that all of us were taken care of. Your insights on the island, customs, the people and for the tours that you were able to join us on your excitement made them even more enjoyable. Coralie Gardere, thank you for your help whenever I request something. Your eagerness to please was only surpassed by your warmth and friendliness that you showed to everyone. Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 27
Desi Pierre, an awesome tour guide, translating French to English for many of us and major kudo's to you for surprising me with a bag of sugar cane. Even though you said they are not in full season, they were very sweet to the taste. Two Thumbs Up! Jean-Jacque, what an excellent driver, fearless and on time. If I ever need a personal driver in Haiti, you are definitely the first one I am calling.
As I said there are so many people that I could mention here, from volunteers to performing artists that I felt like, I made new friends for life. Above Mushy Widmaier, Richard Barbot, Norman Imeran and last but not least the beautiful volunteer Adele Vorbe Thank You ALL! Art Jackson
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DJ Gardy Girault and Friends 30 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Mikaben
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mike 32| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festivals Photos By: Ronald Hancox
Headliners: Nick Colionne Eric Darius
Redding, PA
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Photos By: Samuel Caldwell Jr
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Festivals Photos By: Ron Hancox
Photos By: Ronald Hancox
Guitarist Pat Martino Organ Trio With Horns DT at South Jazz 36 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festivals JAZZ IN THE PARK
TREME CRAB FESTIVAL
MARCH 30—APRIL 2
NEW ORLEANS, LA Photos By: Cedric Ellsworth
MICHAEL FRANKS
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Festivals
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FESTIVAL GUIDE MAY 2017
CINDY BRADLEY
MARION MEADOWS
FESTIVAL GUIDE JUNE 2017 June 10 & 11
FESTIVAL GUIDE JUNE 2017
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Lifestyle - Movie Review By: E.L. Johnson Wayne Shorter stated, “Lee Morgan knew how to tell a story musically”. Fittingly, the director Kasper Colin’s presents a story of jazz greatness plagued by adversity, betrayal and murder that played like music. The film outlines, through photos and personal accounts of Lee Morgan’s friends and colleagues, jazz legends themselves, to detail Morgan’s mercurial rise to greatness. The triumphs of Morgan’s life were bountiful which made the tragedies all the more sobering. This same familiarity bestowed a view of Morgan’s frailty. Wayne shorter, jazz great and colleague gazed upon a photo and asked “Lee what you doing man… what you doing. The photo highlighted a radiator burn on Morgan’s head that resulted from Morgan’s losing consciousness during a drug binge. A galvanizing moment and a metaphor for Morgan’s succumbing to heroine. Morgan’s story played behind the beat of Helen Morgan’s story in the background recounted through friend’s anecdotes but most strikingly through the sharing of snippets from a scratchy sounding taped interview taken by Larry Thomas. Helen Morgan, Lee’s common law wife, stated, “I will not sit here and tell you I was nice… because I was not. One of [those who] will cut you.” This independent strong older woman saved Morgan from his downward spiral resurrecting his career.
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Best Jazz Vocal Album: ”The film, in a good way, left me wanting more.”
company of a female friend. Publicly embarrassed Helen confronted Lee one wintry February night at Slug’s Saloon and in an emotional rage regrettably shot Lee Morgan.
will strike a chord with all. The movie sparked a desire to learn more about Lee Morgan, his music, and jazz in general. The film, in a good way, left me wanting more. It I am a screenwriter not a jazz aficio- became obvious that there is a little jazz in all of us as life is a story that nado and I wondered whether I can be told musically. should be considered to write this For more information and theater important review. However, when I locations visit here: viewed the film I realized that the telling of this jazz genius’ life story https://www.icalledhimmorganuscom/ All photos Courtesy of Kasper Collin Produktion
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Enter to win a Hornblower Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruise for two!
Thank You to the HOLLYWOOD MUSIC IN MEDIA AWARDS members for the nomination of CALIFORNA DREAMIN’ DRIVETIME
Lifestyle - Exhibit New CD’s in Memory of Ella
BIRTHDAY
Celebration
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Lifestyle - Exhibit Twenty-plus years after Fitzgerald's ately we want visitors to be captivated death, the rave reviews keep pouring in. by her voice," she explained. "That's Celebration of Fitzgerald's 100th actual- what draws you to Ella." ly began March 31, as Dianne Reeves The exhibit runs through Sept. 10. held a Fitzgerald tribute concert at the Library of Congress, which serves as home to Fitzgerald's personal library. A day later, Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, which has long hosted a Fitzgerald exhibit, opened a new display, "First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald at 100," kicking off Jazz Appreciation Month. Onwusa said Fitzgerald's exhibit was not an easy display to put together, noting that the relatively new Grammy Museum, which opened in 2008, could not compete with the long-established Smithsonian and Library of Congress, which have long been collecting Fitzgerald memorabilia. But the Los Angeles-based Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation and Fitzgerald estate came through with enough items to make for an attraction, including gowns Fitzgerald wore in performance, rare photographs, sheet music, newspaper articles, concert programs. Securing performance footage proved more challenging, but was critical for Onwusa.
Nwaka Onwusa, curator of The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, poses for a portrait Celebrating the Artistry of Ella Fitzgerald" on Monday, April 24, 2017, in "When you come to Ella at 100, immedi- Los Angeles. Photo by Chris Pizzelo 48| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Remembering
seven-time Grammy-winning Fathersinger, dies at 76Dies
of Rock ‘n’ Roll,
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at 90
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Chuck Berry was arguably the founding father of rock and roll. Not just because he was one of its greatest songwriters and established some of the electric guitar's earliest and most memorable riffs, but also because he was one of music's most palpably exciting entertainers and biggest personalities. His influence on the giants that followed him, such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys and many others, is well documented. Chuck received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy in 1984.
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Concerts
By: Shumon Hutchinson The 17th Annual Starlight Serenade Benefit Concert was a mix of heavy hitting jazz and legendary entertainment as well as a special showcase of the talented teenagers that the annual fundraiser supports. Hands4Hope LA is an after school program that not only provides a place for kids to go after school to get homework help but also provides instruction in music, dance, the arts, healthy meals and parent support. Founded by Lydia Floyd and serving the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles, the program aims to make a difference in
the lives of both the at risk youth admitted to the program as well as that of their parents. Through programs and workshops they are encouraged to have a more positive outlook on life and build their self esteem for long lasting results. To make this all possible the Annual Starlight Serenade Benefit Concert provided a show under the program direction of Gail Johnson that attracted donors from the business and entertainment industries as well as many corporate sponsors. This year’s event was hosted by Pat Prescott of “94.7 The Wave” radio station here
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Concerts
In Los Angeles. Speaking with her prior to the show I asked how she rates working charity events such as this versus straight entertainment shows, to which she referred to working benefit concerts as “Heart events” and went on the say “You do them because you love the organization.” Prescott who currently hosts the morning show at 94.7 The Wave has been with the station over 16 years and has witnessed several programming changes from Smooth Jazz to Adult Smooth Vocals. When asked how she felt about it she admits to missing instrumentals but is proud of the recent increase in ratings and is very happy with how the station continues to support the relationships with the smooth jazz community through supporting events and promoting their music and said “They are still an important part of the fabric of the station.” To set the tone for the show the first act Pat brought to the stage two of the Hands4Hope LA kids to performed a vocal duet. Then they were joined on stage by several other Hands4Hope kids to make an instrumental band with vocals. The crowd clapped along in support as the kid’s faces lit up with confidence in response. For the rest of the evening other headlines included guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., saxophonist Jessy J. A crowd pleasing performances by trumpeter Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, vocalist Paige Bryan, and a hilarious comedy session with none other than Sinbad. Photos By: Donna J Dymanlly 54 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Concerts
Photos By: Brian Feinzimer
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Santa Monica, CA April 12, 2017
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Smooth Jazz
Magazine
Concerts
Photos By: Laura Hunt Little
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Concert
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Feature Interview By: Ahlia Love Live at South Kitchen & Jazz Parlor, Philadelphia, PA April 13, 2017, I met Mr. Minucci, briefly before the show. He’s such a laid back kind of human. Since I had never seen him perform live I had no real expectations of the style of performance I was about to witness. My Photographer and I landed two great seats for the second show featuring Cheili Minucci and Special EFX. After the band hit the stage for me things would never be the same. This performance was part of Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Series so I was not surprised to see Mr. Veasley perform with the band. But what did surprise me was the burst of energy that filled the room from the first to last note. This is the kind of magic that makes you go out into the lobby after the show and happily surrender your cash to by the CDs in hopes that a night like that would never end. 62 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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SJM: Born Gian Cheili Minucci, April 17, 1958…(Aries, the best) Chieli: Actually, it’s pronounced John, Gian Chieli. Like in Italian the name John is Giovanni but if you have a name like Giancarlo or Gianluca or Gian Chieli, it’s just John. SJM: Thank you for explaining that. I have always been curious about the proper pronunciation. This is indeed a time of celebration for you not just because of your approaching birthday but you are celebrating 35 years in the music industry. Chieli: Yes, with this band (Special EFX) SJM: How did you first become interest in pursuing music as a career? Chieli: Oh God, you know I was never really that ambitious. I was never organized about it. Like, when I came out of school, I was in a lot of bands. I was in my 20’s and I played all kinds of music. I just kind of fell into it. I formed a partnership with a percussion player, (the late) George Jinda. We did a few shows and we got picked up by a record label early on. That was 1982 so we cut a record that summer. I hardly knew the guy (Jinda) and suddenly we were partners. I had been playing more rock music at the time but suddenly we were getting involved with playing music without vocals so it was a new direction for me on that first record. SJM: Since you and Special EFX play so many different styles of music is there a specific genre that you identify with? Chieli: As a guitar player, not really. I play whatever is required. I tend to do a lot of gigs where I’m playing solos Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 63
Feature and playing contemporary jazz. But what I like to listen to is totally different. For example I don’t listen to a lot of Jazz as much as some people might think. I like a lot of Pop music. SJM: Sir, you are such a highly decorated Veteran of the Music Industry. Grammy nominations, (10) daytime Emmy nominations and winner of (3) Emmy Awards. Are there any particular awards or distinctions that caught you completely by surprise? Chieli: All of them. Like when we got nominated for that Grammy we were nominated for mixing and engineering on our second record. I knew it was a beautifully recorded album but I didn’t expect that. We were so unknown. And then (being awarded for the work that) I did on some TV shows; that was a big surprise. That whole world of television and Emmy awards and stuff; In other words I never really thought that this music I did should win. I think everybody feels that way really. Like writing a movie theme for instance. Some composers might feel that they wrote something very special that might be worthy of acknowledgement but as far as winning an award I think that having an award might have its advantages as far as getting other work. SJM: Your discography is incredible and the wide range of artists you've performed with is quite impressive. Is there a particular session that stands out in your mind as epic? Chieli: Yea, a few of them. One of them is when I did work for Mutt Lange, the producer for the Backstreet Boys. It was epic long. I remember working for like 7 or 8 hours on the electric guitar parts for this song called “I Need You Tonight” which the Backstreet Boys did back in the ‘90’s. I remember at the end 64| SmoothJazz Magazine
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everybody was eating pizza in the control room and I said I think I’m almost done and then he (Mutt Lange) goes let’s try a little acoustic guitar now. I’m like “Oh my God” but luckily it was over after that. I had been sitting there all day working with this legendary producer and I was starving. It just reminded me of how funny sessions really are you know. SJM: After reviewing all of your credits, I can see that as far back as 1983 you have worn a great many hats. making you, in my opinion one of the most well rounded artists in the business. You produce, compose, sing, arrange, edit, mix, engineer, program and play a variety of instruments. After putting in so much work on so many projects...how do you unwind? Chieli: Well, doing an interview right after a show is a new experience for me (he laughs) I was actually in the studio this morning and then I traveled here and we did two shows tonight. I’m going to go get something to eat when I get back to the hotel. Watch some TV or something, nothing special. Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 65
“That’s beautiful when you know that you’ve connected with s somebody. “ SJM: According to your biography you spent time in Beijing as a professor at the DeTao Master's Academy teaching Modern music. What would you say would be the golden rule of music instruction that you would share with all of your students? Chieli: Yea, that’s in China. There was a lot of focus on turning improvisations into compositions; and turning the compositions into productions. In other words, to finish the song. And we talked a lot about how to dress the song up to make it most effective for what the creator had in mind. SJM: Other than your father (Concert pianist and Composer) Ulpio Minucci; who would you say has had the greatest impact on your desire to excel in music? Chieli: Every son wants to please his Father; even in their fantasies. That’s probably one of the big ones right there. I really like musicians and creative people like some of the teachers I had and experiences I had when I was younger left a strong impression on me. Like for instance when I went to school there was a teacher I had, a guitarist named Steve Brown, he still lives in upstate New York; a straight ahead jazz guitarist. He’s got a bunch of records out. He said that people listen to music usually for three things. In other words, rhythm, chords and melody. If the music gets too complicated, too syncopated or too arranged most people get thrown off. So he said that you want to learn how to arrange music and keep the focus on what you want your audience to hear. There’s a lot of ways to interpret that but it’s actually a very basic arranging thing. Like for instance, if the song has a singer and the singer’s lyrics are what the audience is supposed to listen to then you need to dress up the song in a way so that the singer is at his or her best so that the lyrics are featured 66 | SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… as much as possible.
SJM: You are known for having accomplished many amazing things in the Field of Arts and Entertainment. What is the one thing you would want the world to remember about Cheili Minucci? Chieli: Well, you know I guess I’ve always wanted to write a song that they’d play at a wedding or something. Maybe I wrote it already, I don’t know but I think that it’s a nice thing to write music that moves people. You know you’re trying to connect with people. I’ve probably had that experience many times already where you’ve made a good connection where somebody comes over to me and says that song that you wrote back then had a deep meaning in my life at this particular time. That’s beautiful when you know that you’ve connected with somebody. It’s really simple. All of the practicing that’s different you know. Just making the connection with guys on stage and getting the audience to feel it also…that’s everything. That’s why we do it. With a new CD being released “Deep As The Night” or a milestone such as Cheili’s 35th Anniversary with his band Special EFX I wish all the best to the guys for much success in 2017. Thank you for a phenomenal show. Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 67
Sunday Jun 4, 2017 Doors: 8:00 PM Show: 9:00 PM
9009 West Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA All Ages $22 - $27
New CD Releases 2017
Regan Whiteside "Treblemaker" 05/12/17
Maysa "Love Is A Battlefield" 05/12/17
BUY
BUY
Eddie Palmierii "Sabiduria" 04/28/17 BUY
Leela James "Did It For Love" 03/31/17 BUY
Avery Sunshine "Twenty Sixty Four" 4/21/17 BUY
Christian Scott a Tunde Adjuah "Ruler Rebel" 03/31/17 BUY
Diana Krall "Turn Up The Quiet" 05/05/17 BUY
Elan Trotman "Electro Sax" 04/21/17 BUY
Elaine Elias "Dance Of Timel" 03/24/17 BUY
CD Review By: Carolyn Beverly
Get ready for Patti Labelle and her new attitude with the release of her latest release since her Live in Washington, DC cd in 2008. “Bel Hommage,” is the title of the new cd and while Patti’s fans are used to the R&B side of Patti Labelle brace yourself for the Smooth Jazz side of Patti. Bel Hommage is pleasing packed with thirteen tracks of jazz songs she grew up listening to. This is a stunning collection of jazz standards. The release is a joint venture between Sonny Red and Labelle’s own label GPE Records. It is definitely pure jazz from beginning to end. There is nothing better than Patti, than Patti. You can bet that it is all Patti from the first track “The Jazz In You,” to the very last track “Here’s To Life,” and everything in between get ready for a softer Patti, elegant Patti, new attitude Patti, for now anyway. I am so sure her fans are going to be so pleasantly surprised. Patti Labelle grew up listening to many of the songs she recorded on Bel Hommage. She has always admired such artists as James Moody, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone and Frank Sinatra. Patti says, “I’ve been saying for years that I was going to record a jazz album, but, I hadn’t taken that leap of faith to try something different.” She continues “Now I’m so happy that I did because I really love all of these songs and I pray that everyone else will too.” On the CD, I call it a bonus because Patti Labelle features KEM on track 5 “Moody’s Mood For Love.” Patti Labelle “Bel Hommage” is all the way jazz. For some it might take some getting used to. Just remember after the last track it is still Patti Labelle!
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CD Review By: Keivu Knox Troy Andrews aka Trombone Shorty makes his Blue Note Records’ debut with Parking Lot Symphony, a 12 song offering that not only pays homage to his New Orleans roots, but also speaks to his various influences past and present. Andrews, along with his band Orleans Avenue takes us on a musical journey that keeps us involved and engaged. The album’s opening track, “Laveau Dirge No.1” is 130 seconds of pure New Orleans blues and soul. Named after one of New Orleans’ voodoo queens, the song finds Andrews, Dan Oestreicher, and BK Jackson weaving their respective horns over a somewhat somber melody. Despite this being the intro to this project, don’t make the mistake of thinking this album will carry a darker vibe for the remainder of the album. In fact, it’s arguably the only song on the album that carries such a weight. The next song on the album is the first of two covers on the album. “It Ain’t No Use,” was originally recorded by one of New Orleans’ most legendary groups, The Meters, and to push the influence even further, we find The Meters member Leo Nocentelli, providing his acoustic guitar over this 60s R&B throwback. The other cover on this album is also the lead single for the project, “Here Come The Girls,” 74| SmoothJazz Magazine
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originally written by Allan Toussaint. Joey Peebles’ drumming on this one is perfect from start to finish, and helps to lay a funky foundation for this Cody Chesnutt meets Bruno Mars hybrid. There are more than a few interesting musical moments on this album. One is the album’s title track, which was written by Andrews and Alex Ebert. It’s a playful melody driven by Pete Murano’s electric guitar but transforms itself to almost angelic heights by the track’s ending. Another can be found on “Familiar,” which was co-written by Aloe Blacc. Add one part brass, two parts orchestra, a dash of trap music, and equal portions of jazz, rap and soul, and you get this bowl of musical gumbo. Trombone Shorty’s “Parking Lot Symphony” feels like we are getting a glimpse of what made him such a sought after musician and vocalist. If you wanted to ever know what New Orleans felt and sounded like, all you have to do is pick up this album, and enjoy it with a beignet and a café au lait!
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CD Review Review By: Mark Eyton Williams The Paul Brown produced, debut Album from Daniel Chia “In The Moment” is my CD of the Month. I first heard a track from the album in December 2016 “Cali Style,” and was lucky enough to get a promotional copy. Daniel is a young Saxophonist from Singapore. The album opens with “Cali Style” an uplifting, slightly funky and heavy on the Sax track. “Retro” which is second up, is a real 70’s Style blast and gets you well into the Groove. “Life’s A Beach” has a wonderful mellow sax tone, to chill out to after the openers. “Tender” keeps the mood nice and mellow, with a really nice bass line as well. “Just Because” ft Darren Rahn lifts up the tempo nicely, and is a wonderful Duet of Saxophones, just delightful. “In The Moment” ft Paul Brown making it very melodious. “Where Do We Go From Here” ft Melina, is one of the tracks on the Album with vocals. With the singing of Melina blending well with some nice sax work, “Malibu Drive” has a slight Hip Hop feel to it, that works very well. “Say You Will” is the second vocal track and features Dax Reynosa with a very nice and mellow sound as well, and there is some excellent Guitar work on “Grace” which is the closing track, and is really good to chill you out at the end, that makes it an excellent Album. Altogether a very impressive for a debut and I am looking forward very much, to hearing more from this artist in the future. Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 77
EXHIBITS EXHIBITS
New NewYork—Miami York—Miami Coming Soon
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CD Review have cried listening to the music of Chick through the decades, in whatever format he has presented himself.
By: Azval Ismail
Truly this man is one of the greatest musicians and composers to have ever walked the planet and indeed we are blessed to be able to experience this living force of nature.
Chick is the reason I became a serious musician and I have loved the man and his music since I first discovered him back in 1975 as a teen- A few years ago, after ager. close on two decades of communicating with the I fell in love with the man himself, a life long music of “Light as a dream came to fruition Feather” and “The Rowhere I finally got to mantic Warrior” while meet him and to hang still in high school and to out with him backstage this day, they remain my at the Barbican in Londesert island albums don after his solo perwhere I still discover formance. He was new things with each liswarm, friendly, engaging ten. and genuinely interested I have laughed and I and his music pretty
much reflects him as a person. Playful, yet immensely comp lex and beautiful. His new 3 disc album focused around his 75th birthday celebrations at the legendary Blue Note in New York is nothing short of EPIC.. Imagine 12 weeks of enjoying Chick in every format imaginable. Pretty much a repeat of his spectacular Rendezvous in New York offering for his 60th birthday 15 years ago but this time with double the length of the residency and a veritable who’s who of performers who came to show their immense love and adulation for a true living
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master. How I wished I were in New York to experience this in real time. Still, the CD set gives a great indication of how special each performance was. “Chick Corea The Musician” is a historical and musical tour de force that takes no prisoners. From the opening classic “Captain Marvel” with an acoustic Return to Forever to the closing “Silver Temple” with the magnificent Elektric Band this album is going to take you on every emotional trip imaginable. And throughout every performance there’s Chick who at 75 years young shows no sign of slowing down. Engaging the audiences with his relaxed banter, holding the music together, here is a captain of a space ship on a journey To the Stars ( yes there is such a book and album). Captain Chick is in total command, playful, serious, pensive, joyful all of it is here in this complete celebration of the legacy of a living master. I especially loved the Latin side with his Touchstone outfit with the great Carlos Benavent on bass and the larger than life Concha Buika on vocals. Talk about bringing the house down. Then there’s the beautiful interplay with Chick and Bobby McFerrin we have so come to love and admire. The Five Peace band with John McLaughlin, The Elektric Band, the eternal love between Chick and his lovely Gayle Moran sounding as beautiful as 80 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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ever. It’s all here in a celebration, a force of nature a beautiful event and we are so lucky to experience it during our lifetimes. I know what’s going to be on the repeat button at home for the next month. A beautiful celebration of the life of a beautiful human being and true creative genius! GET THIS ALBUM AND SAVOUR EVERY MOMENT, EVERY NOTE..YOU WON’T BE SORRY!!
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CD Review By: Carla Maniscalco
Get ready for some smooth, sexy and swanky tracks that will have you turning up the volume and searching for concert dates near you. “Smooth Ride” released just in time to melt those winter blues away, is the newest project from the Bavarian Group Threestyle featuring Magdalena Chovancova. This CD is sure to satisfy the contemporary jazz lover’s palate with its perfect balance of smooth jazz, lounge and chill, and a touch of R&B vocals. This European based group, founded by German Guitarist Robert Fertl and his Czech Republic partner and multi-instrumentlist Magdalena Chovancova (tenor and soprano saxophone, flute, keys and back vocals) also features Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets and Jeff Lorber), Nils, Paul Brown (2 time Grammy Award winner), James Manning (Chaka Khan) and an assortment of other star performers. The album’s title track, “Smooth Ride” will take you on a musical journey climbing heights with its melodic curves and perfect harmony played out between the sweet sounds of the soprano saxophone, the heartstrings of some serious guitar playing and the blended back vocals. Making things interesting, the energy flows on a whole different level from the rest of the disc on “Back in Da House” Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 83
CD Review
with its bouncy jammin’ beat bringing together horns, keys, guitars and great percussion. Other tracks like, “A Little Longer,” “Like Butta Baby,” “Love For a Reason,” and “Nice To Be Here,” have delicious vibes generated by a nice balance between the silkiness of the saxophone, playfulness of the flute, a sexy slower tempo, sensual lyrics and solo guitar performances. There’s also a very nice surprise half way into the album with an old school twist on Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” infusing Latin rhythm, smooth jazz, and R&B. This is a group that has developed a very unique sound that varies from track to track and is infectiously good with star performances on saxophone and guitar. The CD is a perfect fit for the smooth jazz lover’s collection and is truly an enjoyable listening experience. 84 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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CD Review Billy Child’s has always been that well hidden secret from the broader public and when anyone gets to discover this genius musician, most react with pure joy and the surprise akin to finding a remotely hidden treasure.
Review By: Avzal Ismail
Being an old fan of his from his early days with the likes of Freddie Hubbard and Chris Botti, I have always enjoyed his singularly unique approach at the piano. I have all of his albums, I play some of his charts regularly with my own group and as such, I am more than familiar with his musicianship and compositional and arranging skills. His latest offering “Rebirth” is just that...An album that consolidates what was and all that is about to be and one is able to sense a new depth and maturity that only comes with years being spent at perfecting one’s craft. In this album one hears so many influences. Corea, Metheny, Scriabin and yet all uniquely Billy Childs. This is indeed a powerful offering that showcases Childs’ skills as a performer first, an arranger second and a band leader third all coming together in perfect unison. Childs has of course brought together a stellar cast of equally brazen and proficient heavyweights in the likeness of blazing Steve Wilson on sax, Hans Glauwischnig anchoring on drums and a refined Eric Harland on the bass. This is not just a quartet that would be like saying the Harlem Globetrotters was just another Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 85
basketball team. NO! Here you have a world conquering, heavy hitting quartet supplemented by the incredible talents of trombonist Ido Meshulam, Rogerio Boccato on percussion and the hauntingly beautiful vocal talents of Claudia Acuna and Alicia Olatuja. I found myself listening to this album repeatedly for the past week or so and each time I am astounded by not only the performances but the production value of the album. Childs’ touch at the piano is sublimely exquisite complemented by an equally astoundingly wonderful group of musicians who are sensitive to his every nuance and who in an of themselves interpret the music to absolute perfection, from pin drop quiet moments to an all out joyous assault on the senses. From the outset with the opening of “Backwards Bop” which he had previously recorded with Windham Hill records back in the 1980s I knew something very special was about to happen. Here’s an album that I didn’t need to grow into. It had me hooked from the word go. “Rebirth” the title track went straight into what can only be described as Billy Childs meets Pat Metheny with vocals reminiscent of the great Milton Nasciemento with his forays with early the early days of The Pat Metheny Group. This album has it all, hauntingly beautiful ballads such as “Stay” with Alicia Olatuja’s beautiful vocals, another one previously recorded by Childs, to the fiery “Dance of Shiva” which reminded me so much of that other giant Chick Corea both in its compositional realization and his own stylistic forays into the musical stratosphere. Incidentally Chick had Billy sit in with him not too long ago which can only be described as any pianists dream both as a performer and as a listener. Then there’s the homage to Michel Legrand with “Windmills of your mind” given the harmonic 86 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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CD Review and improvisational makeover that only Billy can among the other offerings to savour. This album may not be your average Joe’s cup of tea but for the connoisseur this is an absolute joy to listen to and to literally take in and absorb. The kind of album you will be listening to for a long time to come. A must have in any true music lover’s collection and one that is going to be spinning on the repeat button at home and in my car for at least the next month....YES it really is that good!
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CD Reviews Review By: Avzal Ismail
Joey DeFrancesco “Project Freedom.” When the name Joey DeFrancesco is mentioned, your immediate thought is to think about possibly the greatest exponent of the Hammond Organ on the planet today. A musician without peer, matchless in his abilities, the Coltrane, the Mozart, the Brecker of his instrument.
Joey who hails from Philadelphia breathes the history of Philly in his instrument Photos By: David Johnson where after all organ based blues and jazz really started. I first met him in 1993 in Gdynia Poland at the “Summer Jazz Days” festival where both of us were playing. Him with John McLauglin and the Free Spirits with Dennis Chambers on drums and me with my group Light Years as their opening act. Watching that teenage sensation tear up the Hammond was surreal and scary at the same time. While John and Dennis were masters in their own right, it was Joey who stole the show that night.
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I’ve met him and watched him subsequently in Canada as well as London as recently as 2013 and he has never failed to blow me away.
latest album “PROJECT FREEDOM” also his debut on Mack Avenue Records however in my opinion transcends his other work.
That one human being can have such a degree of musicianship on one instrument is a feat in itself, let alone two instruments played with equal aplomb. I’m talking about Joey the trumpeter and not just the master of the Hammond. His seat is assured among the Pantheon of the Supreme Gods of music.
There is a growth, a depth and a maturity here that is palpable. From the hauntingly beautiful “Imagine” opening prelude paying homage to John Lennon to his nod to Sam Cooke with the space -funk “A Change Is Gonna Come” to a rousing tribute to J Rosamond Johnson with “ Lift Every Voice And Sing” to his own superb original compositions, this is an extraordinary album.
I have all of Joey’s albums and I have listened to them extensively and often. His Danny DeVito
Billy Crystal
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CD Reviews Joey experiments with wah wah pedals, new sounds and more as if he is trying to get more from his instrument, wanting to find new ways beyond the current boundaries of expression. Pleasantly surprising was to hear electric piano in addition to the Hammond. Of course there’s Joey the trumpet master so reminiscent of Miles with whom he spent so much time with. The new Project Freedom band that plans to go on tour with in 2017 is like nothing he has done before. With the groove drummer Jason Brown, guitarist Dan Wilson and Tory Roberts on saxes, Joey has surrounded himself with a group of musicians who perfectly compliment his musicianship and his musical ideas. Joey himself is pleased to be able to weave such a rich musical and spiritual tapestry through his new label at Mack Avenue Records of whom he speaks with high praise. “Project Freedom” is a masterful tale of human emotional depth and is worth listening to over and over again....Highly recommended!
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