CD, Concert and Festival Reviews... September / October 2015
SmoothJazz
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Magazine MAGAZINE
Queen Of Soul Gets A Standing “O” Captain Fingers Lee Ritenour NAJEE NEW YORK CRUISE
DAVE KOZ
25 YEARS IN THE BIZ
30
58
Feature 15 Najee
COVER
New York Cruise
30 Lee Ritenour
26
11
Captain Fingers
34 Dave Koz 25 Years In The Biz
Festival Guide Concert Review 56 Laguna Beach Art Festival 24 Aretha Franklin Gets A Standing “O” Concerts On The Green 10 Joy Williams From The Heart 48 Richmond Jazz Maymont 07 Aaron Neville Festival Katrina 10 Year Anniversary
Video Spotlight 20
CD Releases 59 New CDS CD Reviews 60 Terri Lyne Carrington Mosaic Project Love and Soul
62 Terence Blanchard Breathless
63 Lizz Wright
Freedom and Surrender
68 John Basile Penny Lane
70 Najee
You, Me and Forever
71 Nina Simone Nina Simone: Revisited
TOP
SmoothJazz Jazz / June 2015 ArtMay Jackson— Publisher/CEO Doris Gee- - Research Manager Mann—Graphic Artist Contributing Writers Rosemarie Howard
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Pat Cook New Jersey Andrew Reeves New York Nydia Hancox New York Carolyn Beverly San Antonio Contributing Photographers
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CONCERT REVIEW...
Remembering the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in New Jersey.
“It’s been a long road to recovery after Hurricane Katrina, but the soul of New Orleans lives. 10 years after the storm, I take part in rebuilding New Orleans, and of course music has a role in the resilience of New Orleans culture.” Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 7
Review and Photos By Pat Cook: Aaron Neville, a native of New Orleans, now residing in New York, crosses the bridge into New Jersey on the 10th anniversary weekend of Katrina to remind us all to spread love, stay peaceful and remain thankful! - And a little partying in between won't hurt either. Neville closed out Mayor Samson D. Steinman's Summer Concert Series Thursday, August 27, 2015. The outdoor concert kicked off in front of the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, New Jersey. Residents brought out their chairs and sang along with the inflective vocal master, as he swept through songs, such as “Tell It Like It Is,” “Pledging My Love” and “Stand By Me.”
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"Her Expression with each Performance is Breathtaking."
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CONCERT REVIEW... Dearest Joy, I have written this review many times in my thoughts and each time it becomes even more inspiring. You appeared on Aug 19th in front of a sold out audience at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Your heart spoke volumes. While unveiling yourself, you passionately defined moments in your life exposing your vulnerability. Your reflection of selfbecame a “Ah! Moment” for ME. We tend to take care of and do for others yet we forget ourselves. "Civil Wars" was an awesome group however it was time for Joy to blossom, move on. You pointed out that social media can be “not nice.” True, fans become content and sometimes find it hard to accept change. In order to grow, you had to step out of your comfort zone. YOU DID! The consequences of growing seemed challenging but you had a great support group of friends, peers and fans who welcomed your transition. You shared your existence with us. Growing up in a Christian home, growing up in the church laid foundation and gave interpretation in who is now Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 11
Joy Williams. Yet so much more, you have elevated to a whole new level with "VENUS," your latest CD teaming up with Writer/Producer Matt Morris. Your soul expresses through your lyrics. “I Can't Carry The Weight Of This World," “Everyone's Wounded," "Hear Me," from "What a Good Woman Does." PERFECTION! Your chivalrous lyrics whisper to fragile hearts. "We Can Never Go Back" establishes confidence on moving forward. "Sweet Love of Mine," a lullaby written for your son Miles, beautifully expressed a song that will last a Lifetime. Ending the evening with audience participation initiated by Matt Morris, hand clapping, feet stomping to "Woman (Oh Mama)." The night was over. I did not want it to end. I Listened I Teared I Laughed I needed confirmation to move forward, to step out of my comfort zone. Thank You Joy Williams for an Inspirational evening. Sincerely, Rosemarie 12 | SmoothJazz Magazine
Let the music take you…
Available Now!
www.kenyoncarter.com
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Najee Cruises New York
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The #1 Smooth Jazz Single “Fly With the Wind.” September 05, 2015 By: Nydia Hancox
Photos by: Ronald Hancox
SJM: We are so excited to be interviewing Multi-Platinum, Multi-Grammy Nominated Jazz Saxophonist and Flautist! You are certainly one of the most soulful saxophonists in the business. We are here in New York on the Horn Blower cruise ship to chat about his new project, “You, Me & Forever” and his incredible career; How you doing Najee?
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Najee: I’m doing well but I don’t know that guy! SJM: Well you have almost 3 decades in the business, Najee: Yes SJM: And we have a lot to talk about … but I think I just want to jump right in to your new project, your new CD, “You, Me and Forever. I think this is your 16th album? Najee: Yes, something like that. SJM: I hear it was partly recorded in London? Najee: Yes, while working with Incognito’s Bluey on another project that he and I started and in the middle of doing that I got the call to start this project so I just continued on there to use his studio. Let the music take you…
SJM: So how was that energy in London? Najee: Oh, it was great! I love London. It is one of my favorite places to go. I love the musical energy there, a lot of great, talented musicians there so it’s always a pleasure. SJM: Your new single is, “Fly With the Wind.” Najee: Yes, it made number 1 today! SJM: That’s right! You took my thunder! And, it was written I believe by one of my favorite jazz pianists, Alex Bugnon? I have to give Alex some props!Najee: That’s right SJM: So, how does it feel to have a new, number 1 single? Najee: Well, you never take anything for granted. Fortunately for me I’ve had this happen several times in my career, but every time it comes I’m grateful for another time around. SJM: And we are so excited to have your new music, for sure. So, let’s talk about some of the artists you have featured on this album. Frank McComb I believe produced and composed “Signature”? Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 17
Najee: Yes he did. It’s an R&B, Jazz song. At the end of the project Frank came in and wanted to be a part of it. Of course, I couldn’t deny that. He is such a great talent, keyboard player, singer, and producer, songwriter. So, I was very grateful that he was willing to contribute something to the record. SJM: You also have James Lloyd from "Pieces of A Dream." Najee: Yes, from Pieces. A good friend. SJM: The single “Jannah” ahead roots.
honors your straight
Najee: Yes, that was part 2009 with James in Kansong was written by one Ahmad Aladeen who was City at the University of few of his students on with people like Ella Fitzchestra, Lady Day, Charlie he was just a legend.
of a project I recorded in sas City. That famous of their legendary artist, an educator in Kansas Missouri so he used a there. But he played gerald, Count Basie OrParker, Dizzy Gillespie …
SJM: You also have Robmusical director is on here, You have everybody!
ert Damper, Kenny G’s
Najee: Yes, let’s just say maybe this was a little bit of a bucket list if you will, to work with people I have always admired. Robert is someone I knew in college. My bother Fareed and I went to school with Robert at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. That’s where we first met so that’s well over 34 years ago. We met there and became friends. He is from Seattle so he and Kenny G grew up together. He’s been Kenny G’s musical director for 35 years or more. So, we finally had the opportunity now to work together on a song that he produced. He’s actually played on a couple of my former albums.
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SJM: So the track “Wave” has a Bossa Nova feel to it? Najee: Yes, exactly. The piece that Robert plays on is a Piano Solo on it. SJM: And you are playing some flute on there. Najee: Yes SJM: I always love your flute playing. You play quite a bit of flute on this album, “Butterfly Girl and Air.” You are one of the rare artists that can transition from Sax to flute. Najee: Right. Well, it’s not easy! SJM: Exactly, That’s what I wanted to ask you. Is the fingering different? Najee: No, the positions of the fingers are the same, but they are different instruments. They are not the same, at all. There are two different mindsets. So, I approach the flute as a flute player and the saxophone as a saxophone player. You just have to split your mind between the two. SJM: And who influenced you with the flute? Najee: I would have to say first my teachers, and then as I started to develop and began studying different styles, there was Hubert laws, James Galway in Classical music, Harold Jones, the great flautist from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Jimmy Heath, I studied with him on the Jazz Mobile, Frank Foster, Yusef Lateef, Herbie Mann it was quite a few back then. Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 19
SJM: I know you were twice nominated for a Grammy, I believe your first nomination was for your platinumselling debut album, “Najee's Theme” and which was the other? Najee: It was Tokyo Blue. SJM: You’ve toured and jammed with so many artists. Najee: I have. I’ve been very fortunate, I’ve been able to tour with people I’ve been fans of growing up like George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Prince, Chaka Khan. I started my career, both my brother and I, my professional career, with Chaka.
PLAY VIDEO
SJM: Any favorite artists that you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Najee: I don’t know if I have a favorite, but there are people I would love to do special projects with, like Herbie Hancock. We’ve worked together. He’s played on one of my records. I would love to do a project with him. SJM: Herbie are you listening? Najee: I hope he is listening! Or either Chaka. I would love to do something with her. SJM: There is so much to talk about and so little time. But, one thing I’d like to know is about your experience when you played for Nelson Mandela’s Birthday. Was it his Birthday Party? Najee: It was his birthday and he was President of South Africa. He did a concert as a gift to the nation. It happened to be on his birthday and he was celebrating his wedding to his new wife. I was part of a whole group of people who went including myself, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Lattimore and a few other R&B artists. We went to the concert; saw Johannesburg and then we were invited to him home to have lunch with him. It was really special. That was the best. As big of 20 | SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you…
a giant that he was as a leader, he was just the easiest guy to be around. It was a wonderful experience. SJM: Was that your fist time going to South Africa? Najee: That was my very first time. SJM: What an experience to do all that. Najee: Absolutely! SJM: Let’s talk about your early years …Tell me about the young Jerome Najee Rasheed. What got him started with the saxophone? Najee: You know I always loved the sound of the horn. My mother always had a lot of saxophone player records. So in elementary school I began with Clarinet. That evolved into ultimately saxophone in Junior High School. I went to August Martin High School which was an aviation school but I took my first tenor saxophone solo and all the girls knew my name. SJM: There you go! Najee: I was very fortunate that there was always opportunity for me to develop and to grow. I had the opportunity to study Jazz in Jazz mobile at the age of 15 with Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Ernie Wilkens. SJM: No better education.
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Najee: That paved the way for me to build a career and do what I do now. SJM: And so, you are originally from New York? Najee: Born and raised here, yes. SJM: What are some of your favorite things to do when you are here? Do you get a chance to see a little bit of New York when you come? Najee: Unfortunately, when you are from the City you don’t really think about all the things that tourist comes to see. It’s just part of your life. For me, I come here and work. SJM: Your schedule is tight and I know you have to get ready to do what you do. It’s been an absolute pleasure and thank you so much for your time.
www.arakistain.com
CD Release: Release 08/14/15 CD 08/14/15
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www.rinajazzlady.com
2015 BLACKWOMEN IN JAZZ WINNER FOR “RISING STAR IN JAZZ” 2014 GHP VIRTUAL RADIO AWARD WINNER FOR HER SONG “NATURAL” JAZZTOWN MARKETING & PROMOTIONS FAMILY BOOKING INFO MANAGER WAYNE G: (661) 965-4241
A STANDING
“O” For The QUEEN Of SOUL 24 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Concert Review...
Review By: Rosemarie Howard
Photos By: Mann
She personifies the defini- writer Alan Bergman just to mention a tion of a LEGEND! few. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin performed in front of a sold out audience at the Microsoft (formerly Nokia) Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Opening the show was comedian Jonathan Slocumb, whose jokes were very clean and entertaining.
Her 50 years in the entertainment industry, displayed musical excellence and it was evident why she is a Legend. You had to be there! Her presence embraced and captivated The sold out crowd included celebrities the audience from the moment she stepped on stage performing her award such as Berry Gordy Jr., Ray Parker Jr., winning #1 hit "A Natural Woman." Freda Payne, Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Shonda Rhimes, Loretta Devine, Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 25
During the first dress change, The Rev. Carlton Pearson brilliantly led praise and worship. You saw the hands waving in the air and you could hear amen chanting quietly, church was present. The Queen strolled down memory lane singing a lot of her hits such as: “Think,” “Don't Play that Song You Lied,” “Chain of Fools,” “Ain't No Way,” and “Something He Could Feel” that had four red dress clad ladies providing a visual that brought the seductive iconic choreograph dance style of the 60’s dance style to mind. Her inspirational duet with gospel singer Melvin Williams was very uplifting. She was very candid in sharing her testimony regarding her illness a few years ago. The strength in her voice allowed the audience to feel her emotion, praising the "ALMIGHTY" her faith is so STRONG and physically she looked great and there is a peacefulness and calmness that surrounds her.
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In each variation of song, we heard young Aretha, a voice so mesmerizing sounding the same as if we were playing the 45 on the record player. Through notes of oration, we relive history as if it has never left. A band so fine tuned to the Queens every move, this 73 year old DIVA confirmed she still has "it." With each upbeat musical composition every aisle was up on their feet swaying, hand clapping and singing words we have sang over and over, songs that will last a lifetime. Between each cessation of song, she familiarized the crowd regarding her past. Her impromptu intimate moments with the piano playing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “If Ever I Would Leave You” left only whispers enduring every moment not wanting a night such as this to end. Even though we're spoiled with the oldies, her new album Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics displays her tenacity and gift God has given her. Two songs, “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor) and
“I'm a Survivor” (Destiny Child) verified that this exuberantly rhythmic Diva is timeless. With three fabulous gowns changes she ended her show with "Freeway of Love," and, for the encore, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”
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Feature By: Andrew Reeves
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Better known as Captain Fingers to his friends and fans Lee Ritenour is one of the most prolific jazz musicians of his generation. A career spanning forty years has afforded him numerous chart topping hits and an impressive catalog of music. With his latest record “A Twist of Rit,” Ritenour revisits songs from his early recordings, putting a fresh new twist on tracks like “Wild Rice” and “Fatback” from Ritenour’s debut album “First Course.” I spoke with Lee recently about his latest project released August 21, 2015. SJM: Tell me a little about how you came up with the concept for the album. LEE: I was looking to do something fresh that I’d never done before. I wrote some new material for the record, but I was looking for a fun way to revisit and twist up some of my early stuff as well. SJM: You’ve worked with some very talented musicians on this project like John Beasley and Dave Grusin. Anything unique that resonated with you
about working with them on this project? LEE: I worked with a 12-piece band on this alum and I really wanted to do everything together, capture everything live. Of course playing with Dave and John were great. We’ve been working together a long time. I also brought in a few young rhythm players as well that bought a contemporary vibe to the record. SJM: With four decades of music to choose from, how did you select the songs to include on A Twist of Rit? LEE: This album wasn’t about going back and rehashing old material. I have a catalog of over 200 songs in my 40 year career, which enables to me to take a wide look at the music and pick songs I thought had relevance today, and those weren’t necessarily my chart topping songs. I didn’t want a ‘best of’ record. SJM: What did you enjoy most about the experience of everyone recording together in the studio? LEE: The record was 99% live and it was great to capture all these wonderful musicians playing together at the same time. SJM: The most recent winner of the Six String Theory Competition winner Tony Pusztai is featured on A Twist of Rit.
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What is the 6 String Theory Competition, and how was it working with Tony?
of the album?
LEE: Because the album featured a lot of my own material I was kind of forced LEE: The Six String Theory Competition to listen to my own music, which I was has been going on bi-annually for four reverse engineering in a way. Someyears. Eighty-two countries posted sub- times I’ll listen to John Coltrane, Mimission to YouTube for the 2014 com- chael Thompson, these guys came up pletion, which has grown now into a with a style that was fresh. non-profit organization. The winner re- SJM? What music are you listening to ceives a scholarship to the Berkeley right now? What’s on your playlist? College of Music, as well as a chance to LEE: Robert Glasper, Keith Jarrett. I just play on my album. Tony is a fantastic finished a project in Brazil with my guitarist and it was a pleasure having wife, so I’ve been listening to a lot of him on the project. Brazilian music SJM: What will you remember most SJM: The album’s cover art is amazing. about making this album? Did you have any input on the design? LEE: I love great musicianship and one of the best parts of making this record LEE: Absolutely. But it wasn’t an easy was that everyone in the studio could cover to come up with. We had the title before we see each other. We were essentially making music for the twelve of us. We started workwere our own little audience. At times ing on the cover art and that the twelve of us were just jamming! helped us work out the SJM: What artists do you feel influence your sound? Did you find yourself delving into their music during the making
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COVER STORY
DK Released: July 21, 2015
Concord Records
Stevie Wonder 34 | SmoothJazz Magazine
Michael McDonald Let the music take you‌
CD REVIEWS
DK 25
By: Carolyn Beverly
Twenty-five years and counting. It clearly shows that with the release of Dave Kozs’ latest album titled “Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection” that there is proof to his past success and definitely opens doors to a successful 25 more years of nothing but the best Koz has to offer.
This cd is a must have for every CD player along with every smooth jazz lover far and near. But, please do not let the word jazz hold you to any restrictions because this cd has you covered with pop, country, R&B, soul and even a little touch of gospel. There are musical flavored trendies to cover all genres. So don’t hold back…Let yourself go Gloria Estefan and savor the flavor of Saxophonist Dave Koz as he present to you his Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection of smoothness… Included on the cd are Some of the best recording artists and musicians are included on this cd collection bringing a powerful force of musical pleasures that is sure to leave musical notes dancing around in your head, generating movement throughout your body. From the beginning
Herb Alpert
Johnny Mathis
Jonathan Butler
Kenny Lattimore
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Rick Braun
Boney James
Rod Stewart
Stevie Nicks
COLLABORTIONS Jeff Lorber
Heather Headley
David Benoit
Bebe Winans
track “Good Foot,” featuring Jeff Lorber to the very last track titled “Let It Go,” It is sure to capture your attention. Are you ready? There are fifteen unbelievable tracks all featuring musicians like Rick Braun and R&B artist Kenny Lattimore, Boney James, Michael McDonald, Summer Horns, Rod Steward, Stevie Nicks, Herb Alpert, David Benoit, , Luther Vandross, Eric Benet, Johnny Mathis, Heather Headley, Richard Marx, Jonathan But- Richard Marx ler, Maysa, BeBe Winans, Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, Scott Bradlees’s Postmodern Jukebox And, of course Dave Koz. Each track is custom made with a jazzy fit. 36 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Summer Horns Gerald Albright
Mindi Abair
Richard Elliot
Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection only proves that saxophonist Dave Koz has mastered his craft from day one of his musical career. Hold on because there is much more to come!
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Spotlight
Photo By: Renata Gryga
COVER STORY Twenty five years ago Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Dave Koz never thought of his music as a career, he just enjoyed making music. He never thought that he would be doing this to make a living. But, here he is twenty five years later 15 albums scratching his head looking back asking “how did all of this happen?” So, for Dave Koz the release of Collaboration: 25th Anniversary Collection is kind of a celebration. The main focus on the album is to showcase the essence that he think is the driving force of his career and through collaborations he has gotten to work with some unbelievable artist from Michael McDonald to Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder to Stevie Nicks, Luther Vandross to Gloria Estefan, “There’s just so many different kinds of wonderful, talented, iconic artists that I have learned from,” says Koz in a recent interview. “That is what his album really celebrates. It has not just been about me,” adding, “It has been me and a whole bunch of other people helping me along.” The album is primarily using tracks that has been released on his album before and some have been on other artist albums like the Rod Stewart track for example “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” is one that they had collaborated to-
By: Carolyn Beverly
Barry Manilow
Stevie Wonder
By: Carolyn Beverly
Rod Stewart
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Photo By: Katherine Gilraine
Spotlight
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gether on this collection. There are three new songs so it is a bit of the past and then moving forward into the next phase, is how it is described by Dave Koz. He continued to explain that looking back on his past some collaborations may not have seen the light of day. It is, according to Koz “all about celebrating the artists that I have had a chance to work with.” When asked if he had a favorite during his career. He laughed saying “Of course I have a lot of favorites.” However the one that stands out the most from this cd is one written by Toby Keith for Wayman Tisdale. It is “a very emotional song because he wrote it right after Wayman Tisdale, passed away. It’s called “Cry for Me,” a very beautiful song.” The other favorite is one that you can hear on tour recorded by Kenny Lattimore and Rick Braun, a remake of Jackie Wilson song “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” Rick Braun did the arrangement and it is one of those songs that has great horn parts, great soulful lyrics and melody line that Kenny really sinks his teeth in it and it is well received by the audience, a big hit with the ladies as he sings right to the woman’s heart. Upon meeting on a Cruise last year, Dave knew then he had to be on tour with Kenny. Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 41
Photo By: Katherine Gilraine
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Memories and favorites thought the years have been plentiful. Included in those memories is the late Luther Vandross who is featured on track 9 “Can’t Let You Go” (The Sha La Song) from the 1999 album “The Dance.” Dave Koz has fond memories of working with the late Luther Vandross. He remembers the professionalism when he called Luther for the cd project he was kind enough to say yes and when he arrived to the studio with his producers about one hour early Luther Vandross was there ready to record. “He put the same energy into singing a background part as he would put into singing the lead vocals on his own hits” A nine time GRAMMY® nominee from his first nominated album 2001 “A Smooth Jazz Christmas” to his 2013 Dave Koz and Friends “Summer Horns” album, Dave has high hopes for his new release as it is currently atop of Billboards as the #1 Contemporary Jazz Album in the United States. So this collaborations may bring home the GRAMMY® . With having his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records building where he got his start, a entrepreneur with Koz Wines, a philanthropist, Koz has served as global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation for over 20 years., once a morning DJ and now a his weekly syndicated radio show, along with his annual tours you can see and hear Dave doing what he loves.
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Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Oleta Adams 44 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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“None of this would have been possible without the love and support of the people who has been there from the very beginning” As for Dave Koz Christmas concert expect more excitement featuring the increditable Jonathan Butler, Saxophonist Candy Dulfer will join Koz this year. And, one half of the Righteous Brothers, an icon in the business with hit “Unchanged Melody” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” Bill Medley. Now, what’s in store the next 25 years “I have never been a guy that makes plans like that, say Koz. There is no plan especially now that he is getting older he says that he just want to live in the moment and enjoy it. According to him he has gotten much better at living a life of balance. He loves his friends and family. He loves to travel, loves playing music and he hopes to continue to do the things he has accomplished well as trying new things along the way. And just be open is his goal. Open to the adventures of life... accept, enjoy and make it count. That is his next twenty five years hopefully. To the fans he says “none of this would have been possible without the love and support of the people who has been there from the very beginning, to the people who just discovered him yesterday without their support there would be no Dave Koz. He also adds if you were ever going to purchase one of his cd’s this one is the one to get Dave Koz Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection. For tour dates visit www.davekoz.com
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Festival Guide 6th Annual
August 7-9, 2014
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Review by: Michelle Newman-Johnson Photos by: David Johnson If you have not already been informed, you need to be in Richmond, Virginia, the second weekend in August, to attend the annual Richmond Jazz Festival. I promise you that no matter how far you travel, you will not be disappointed. This year’s festival presented by Altria was even better than the last. The weather threatened to put a damper on the weekend but weather angels were protecting us and the sun burst through the passing clouds and the weekend’s atmosphere was set. I’m talking about three separate stages set for great performances from artists right out of the Richmond area and from across the nation. There was music covering classic and contemporary jazz; funk and rhythm and blues. There was music for everyone because this year’s line up included over 35 great performances! Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 49
How can you not have a great time with family, friends, great food and more music performances from the music diversity of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra (I have got to brush up on my Spanish). The jazz stylish of Carmen Lundy, Jazz Funk Soul (Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and Chuck Loeb) brought us all to our feet; Jeff Bradshaw and Friends
(Syleena Johnson, Eric Roberson and Rahsaan Patterson); Pat Martino who put the fingers to the strings and made some beautiful melodies; the sensual sound of Will Downing; Joe; David Sanborn and the awesome brother tag team of Kirk Whalum w/ Kevin Whalum, yes, we “TaTa You Jesus” for all the great music from these artists.
Kevin and Kirk Whalum
Saturday’s evening ended with a well awaited performance from everyone’s favorite, New Edition (unfortunately without Bobby Brown as he and his family are still in our prayers). I tell you, these guys were jumping around on that stage like it was still 1987, never missing a beat. Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 51
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Day two of performances included the great and “Unforgettable” Natalie Cole; Macy Gray; Grammy Award nominated a cappella sounds of Sweet Honey in the Rock; Marc Antoine & Brian Simpson; Gerald Veasley; Joshua Redman and highly energized man of soul Anthony Hamilton. Sunday’s closing performance was from the awesome Ms. Lauren Hill. I have to admit that after hearing a few negative reports in the past that, “she was late for performances” and so on, I did not know what to expect. But, I tell you this, the petite Ms. Hill hit the stage and it was spectacular! She commands perfection from her band and the house sound and lights and she was every bit worth the wait. Along with the great performances were local vendors and wine tasting sponsored again this year by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. It is also great to know that portions of the proceeds from the Richmond Jazz Festival benefit the Maymont Foundation, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation and the Richmond Jazz Society. So, I look forward to seeing you all there next August and take my advice and put in a leave slip for Monday!
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Festival Guide
Photos By: Darnell Wade August 08, 2015
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Festival Guide
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New CD Releases 2015
Mindi Abair And The BoneShakers Live In Seattle" 09/25/15 BUY
Herb Albert "Come Fly With Me" 09/25/15 BUY
Denis Donatelli “Find A Heart” 9/18/15 BUY
Fourplay "Silver" 09/11/15 BUY
Orrin Evans “The Evolution of Oneself” 09/11/15 BUY
Nils "Alley Cat" 08/21/15 BUY
Jeff Lorber Fusion "Step It Up" 09/25/15 BUY
Chick Corea and Bela Fleck "Two" 09/11/15 BUY
Wynton Marsalis "Live in Cuba" Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra 08/21/15 BUY
CD REVIEWS "Mosaic
Label: Concord Records
Review By: Natalie Rungan
Project Love and Soul"
The three times Grammy winner Terri Lyne Carrington never cease to amaze with her creativity and imagination which is evidenced in her more than 20 years of numerous accolades in the industry. Her first Mosaic Project won "Best Jazz Vocal Album" at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012.
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Terri Lyne Carrington
Her clever, creative arrangements always seem to evolve just when you think you can predict what's coming up next. In her latest release Mosaic Project: Love and Soul she has invited some of the greatest female vocalists and instrumentalists including Oleta Adams, Natalie Cole, Paula Cole, Lalah Hathaway, Chaka Khan, ChantĂŠ Moore, Ledisi, Valerie Simpson, Nancy Wilson, Jaguar Wright and Lizz Wright, to pay homage to some of her greatest male influences in her career. The album deliberately starts and ends with spoken word by the silky smooth Billy Dee Williams on a canvas of drum and bass. This reinforces her desire to emphasize the "various relationships that woman have with men" as she wanted to prevent the notion that the album excludes Chaka Khan men, even though it features only female artists. Her experience and sensitivity both as a drummer and arranger has allowed her the insight to combine all of these artists's individual styles, yet still create enough space for each one to comfortably express and explore creative 60 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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possibilities, without compromising or abandoning groove in any way. Featuring bassists Meshell Ndegoecello and Linda Oh; and keyboardists Geri Allen, Patrice Rushen and Rachel Z, as well as saxophonist Tia Fuller and trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, the 12-track album captures the warmth, sensuality and passion of Terri Lyne's truly prolific mastery of jazz, funk and soul. Together with her skills as a producer and arranger this release marks yet another chapter in her book of triumphant successes.
L-R: Patrice Rushen, Lalah Hathaway, Oleta Adams, Tia Fuller, Ledisi, Natalie Cole, Lizz Wright, ChantĂŠ Moore, Nancy Wilson, Meshell Ndegoecello.
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CD REVIEWS Holding one of the most esteemed jazz careers in the film industry, recognized as being instrumental in the 1980’s jazz resurgence and winning 5 GRAMMYs with 13 GRAMMY nominations is not enough for straight ahead jazz artist Terence By: Shumon Hutchinson
Blanchard. His latest album titled ”Breathless” released on Blue Note Records is a musical protest against the social injustices of the current day as Eric Garner’s last words “I can’t breathe” before succumbing to police brutality was the inspiration for his latest work. Considered a protest album, Blanchard expressively includes several original pieces that show piece his renowned trumpet and compoition skills alongside his new E Collective quintet as well as cover pieces including Almazan’s “Everglades”, Les McCann and Eddie Harris’ “Compared To What” and Hank Williams’ “I Ain’t Got Nothin But Time.” 62 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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CD REVIEWS By: Tracey Whitney
understatement. Not a vocal is rushed, not even the beats are meant to move Label Concord Records you forward, but merely lock you in place, as both elements work in unison I first saw Lizz Wright in concert in L.A. to transport you to that realm reserved many moons ago when she was touring for closed eyes and goose bumps. to promote Dreaming Wide Awake, and I jumped at the chance to review Freedom & Surrender,” her first album The sublime Gregory Porter guests on in 5 years. Let’s face it, Lizz is not some- the sensually romantic Right Where one that we turn to when we want to You Are. Written by Wright, Klein and party, we turn to her when we need to renowned songwriter J.D. Souther, lyrget centered, and this disc offers plenty ics go: “Right where you are / stop for a of time to just get comfy and settle in minute / shimmering there in the sun / with a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvi- I’ve gone so far / I’m so deep in it / my heart is already won.” Ummm, ummm, gnon, because like a lovely bottle of ummm… Their voices are perfection towine, it’s a symphony for the senses. gether - like a modern day Donny & Roberta. They also toured in 2013, so I Produced by four-time GRAMMYhave high hopes that this isn’t the last winning bassist and producer Larry time they record a duet. I’d love to Klein, the team also consists of drum- hear more from them together. mer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Dan Lutz, percussionist Pete Korpela, guitarists Dean Parks and Jesse Harris, and key- Surrender took me back to the glory days of Al Green. That’s it. This CD is boardists Kenny Banks, Pete Kuzma, Just. Good. Music. And music like this and Billy Childs. Wright wrote ten of the disc’s 15 songs, six with Klein and comes so far and few between any his longtime songwriting partner David more. Amidst the noise and hype of auto-tuned artists (“singers” would be Batteau. charitable), and computer generated The collection starts out an exercise in music and “beats” (what’s that all Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 65
(“singers” would be charitable), and Love You Baby,’ and the disc wraps computer generated music and with another funk-driven track Free“beats” (what’s that all about?), it’s so dom, a collaboration with Toshi Rearefreshing to hear vocals that can gon. As Wright puts it, ‘Freedom’ is so stand on their own acapella, accompa- unapologetic; it has weight to it that nied by actual studio musicians. But I differs from the other songs.” Hmmm, digress… On Here and right. Maybe Lizz is a bit My Essential Three: Now (inspired in part of a party girl after all by the passing of Maya “Surrender,” “Here And (smile). Angelou) she takes an Now,” “Right Where ethereal approach to You Are“ (featuring Lizz Wright fans are goher vocals, while the Gregory Porter) ing to rejoice at Freekeyboards transport dom & Surrender beyou Dexter Wansel-like cause, come on now: it’s Lizz! And all ‘one million miles from the ground.’ she did was get better with time. Now, where did I put that corkscrew? Wright adds a gospel-tinge to her achingly heartbreaking cover of the Bee Gees classic To Love Somebody, while Real Life Painting, written by Wright and Maia Sharp, is such a breezily happy tale of diving head first into a love affair (I love the guitar work) that it makes me want to skip though a field of flowers. The Jesse Harris penned Lean In is a sexy-funky jam that brings More on Lizz Here: to mind Donna Summer’s ‘Love To /
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By: Joe Frazier
By: Ahlia Love I am certain that all members of the Beatles would be proud of John Basile’s interpretation of their legendary classics. He gives each selection a smooth new perspective while maintaining the integrity of the original work. His style is definitely not what I would consider traditional; particularly when it comes to covering well known tunes as a guitarist. My difficulty with listening to Penny Lane was that I had a problem determining which of the eleven tracks are my favorite. Secondly, the music was so soothing that I just wanted to put my feet up and enjoy each track rather that having to actively pick 68 | SmoothJazz Magazine
: Concord Records not Label: easy writing a review when you’re under a mellow spell. Track 1: Eleanor Rigby. The epic introduction may throw you off a bit if you have preconceived expectations. But as soon as the groove hits, you can understand Mr. Basile’s intentions. Which I suppose is for you to expect the unexpected. This is a full bodied work of art; from the drums, to keys and everything in between that creates the foundation for the fingering John Basile lays as the garnish on top of this delightful dish. Track 3: Penny Lane is an absolute groove where Mr. Basile, once again demonstrates his incredible technical balance of skill and interpretation all while adding to and not robbing the tune of its original flavor.
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Track 4: And I Love Her. That's one sultry tune. I imagine this tune popping up as a definition for Smooth Jazz if you were to Google the definition. It’s the perfect mix of darkness meeting light coming together to create a happy medium. Track 5: A Day In The Life. This is an exciting piece of music right here. I love the sweet conga and guitar break. For some crazy reason I had to keep rewinding the track just to hear that part again. I actually did it four times. Of all the tunes on this project Mr. Basile seemed to have taken the most creative freedom on this one.
scribe this track is to call it a lullaby. And I believe that it was strategically placed as the last track because after you hear it there's no need to listen to anything else. You either start the CD over from track 1 and listen to everything all over again or just give in to its sweetness and drift off to sleep.
Overall, John Basile’s Penny Lane is one fluid project. Track after track and it defiantly kept my attention till the end. This is an absolute winner. I am now convinced that I need to have a copy for all of my tablets, the IPad, the car and my cell phone. It's a two thumbs up experience that I'll want to be able to easily access and listen to often. I’m loving Track 6: While my Guitar Gently Weeps every single track. Even the up tempo plays with your emotions. The delicate tracks can transcend you into absolute introduction is somewhat like Eleanor chill mode where you can enjoy the varRibgy, where you can’t predict where ious textures and influences that John the song is about to go but you end up Basile and his band of gifted musician captured by a mellow, upbeat groove have been kind enough to share with that leaves you wanting more. us. More on John Basile Here: Track 9: Can't Buy Me Love, ok, this spicy little tune is sprinkled with just the right amount of funk to make you want to getup and cut a rug but the entire composition has so many layers that you may have more fun just listening to it. Track 11 In My Life. The best way to deLet the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 69
CD REVIEWS
YOU, ME, AND FOREVER By: An drew Reeves
Grammy-winning artist Najee has been holding his own in the music game since his first album dropped in the mid 80’s, but it is his latest record, “You Me and Forever” that will have jazz lovers swooning. Najee’s ability to fuse elements of Pop, Rock and R&B into his music shines in songs like Chuck Johnson’s cover of the classic Ambrosia hit “Biggest Part of Me,” and the
Shanachie 06/23/15
ists lends not only their voices, but their smooth yet playful “Jannah,” featuring writing abilities as well, like the smooth Pieces of a Dream front man James Frank McComb who co-wrote and lends Lloyd. In true fashion, Najee assembles his vocals to “Signature.” Andrea Wala world-class group of musicians includ- lace (Kirk Franklin & The Family) does ing keyboardists Robert Damper. an impressive blues-laden solo perforNajee starts off the album with the in- mance on “Give It All We’ve Got.” toxicatingly sensual “Air,” then transi- Over the years Najee has made a name tions to the tenor saxophone on the up- for himself as an innovative multibeat, energetic track “Fly With The instrumentalist and with “You Me and Wind.” No matter the instrument, Forever,” he is well on his way to beNajee newest album shows off his mu- coming one of the most influential sical personality and that spontaneous, artists in contemporary jazz. infectious vibe he pours into each track. Like the artist himself, the cast of vocal70 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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CD REVIEWS
Released 07/10/15
By: Andrew Reeves
If anyone can evoke the husky, blues infused vocals of Nina Simone, it’s Ms. Lauryn Hill, and she does it with impeccable style on Nina Simone: Revisited. Sharing the producer’s chair with the inimitable Robert Glasper, Hill contributes six songs to the album alongside musical heavyweights like Usher, Mary J. Blige and Common among others. The album, billed as an accompaniment to the Netflix documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? resurrects some of the artist’s popular material such as “Baltimore,” performed by Jazmine Sullivan, and the heart-rending ballad “I Put A Spell On You,” by Alice Smith. Simone’s daughter does the quirky, up-tempo intro “My Mama Could Sing” to start the record, and reprises the classic hit “I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl,” from her mother’s 1967 album Nina Simone Sings the Blues. But it is Ms. Hill however, who channels the legendary singer’s haunting and oft-times melancholy vocals in songs like “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair,” even managing to pull off a modern hip-hop twist to Simone’s “Ain’t Got No, l Got Life.” Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 71