Grammy Museum Mindi Abair—Johnny Mathis Reviews Nov/Dec 2017 TM
Magazine CD Review
Gregory The Smooth Vocals of... Porter
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Feature
08 Gregory Porter - Sings Nat “King” Cole Lifestyle
36 Beauty Shop 30th Anni Shelly Garrett Creator Interview 42 Taste of Soul Los Angeles Street Party
48 Concerts 16 Legendary Johnny Mathis With Clive Davis & Babyface
20 Saxophonist Andre Delano
CD Release Party “IV”
23 Guitarist Aaron Blake Concert in Photo @ Vibrator in Bel-Air, CA 28 Dave Koz Makes New Fans 46 Chick Corea at Blue Note NY In The Netherlands 33 Mindi Abair and the 47 Pharoah Sanders at Birdland NY
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Boneshakers @ the Grammy Museum
Remembering 48 Fats Domino Fans speaks on Twitter
CD Reviews 52 Dave Koz and Friends 20th Anniversary Christmas 56 Dee Dee Bridgewater Memphis… I ‘m Ready 60 Jesse Cook Beyond Borders 61 InKyleTransit Eastwood CD Releases 51 New CD’s
56 JAZZ LEGENDS BILLIE HOLIDAY, DINAH WASHING-TON AND STAN GETZ CELEBRATED WITH FIVE-ALBUM VINYL BOX SETS OF THEIR CLASSIC VERVE RECORDS
VINYL COLLECTIONS 12/8, CD BOX SETS ON 12/15.
SmoothJazz Jazz Art Jackson— Publisher/CEO May / June 2015
Smooth Jazz Magazine Inc.
Doris Gee- - Research Manager
3715 Midvale Ave. Suite #6
Mann—Graphic Artist
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Contributing Writers
E-Mail: info@smoothjazzmag.com
Maria L. Lewis Gwen Britton-Bagley Robin Munro Keivu G. Knox Moné Swann Shumon Hutchinson
Chicago Dallas Dallas Charlotte Los Angeles Los Angeles
Inge Wenzel Azval Ismail
Netherland South Africa
Web: www.smoothjazzmag.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written consent from the publisher.
Contributing Photographers Mann Inge Wenzel Melanie Futorian
Los Angeles Netherland New York
Copyright @ 2017 by Smooth Jazz Magazine Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Let’s Take It Back
Let’s Take It Back Najee feat. Incognito Tick Tock Boney James Piccadilly Circus Paul Brown feat. Chris Standring Let It Go Jonathan Fritzen Between You And I Riley Richard Going Out Julian Vaughn So Strong Rick RileyBraun Richard Baby Coffee Michael Riley Richard J. Thomas Down The Road Paul RileyJackson, Richard Jr. Let’s Take A Ride Brian Riley Richard Culbertson
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Jazz Notes
Feature
GREGORY PORTER NAT “KING” COLE & ME For Gregory Porter, the influence of Nat King Cole on his life and music runs deep, a through-line that reaches back into some of his earliest childhood memories, and culminates in the release of the two-time GRAMMY-winning vocalist’s stunning fifth studio album Nat King Cole & Me, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer, pianist, and Capitol recording artist. “He was one of a kind. He left such great music – such beautiful things to listen to that you can’t help but be influenced by that extraordinary timbre, style, and ultimate cool,” Porter enthuses. 08| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Feature “My mother said I wrote this little song when I was 5 and put it on a tape and played it for her when she came home from work,” recalls Porter. Upon hearing it his mother, Ruth Porter, exclaimed “Boy, you sound like Nat King Cole,” a compliment that sent the curious young Gregory delving into her record collection. “I remember thinking how strange that name was, going through her records, and first seeing his image: this elegant, handsome, strong man sitting by a fire, looking like somebody's daddy. Then I put the vinyl on the player and out of those speakers came that voice, that nurturing sound. It filled a void in me. My father wasn’t in my life; he wasn’t raising me; he wasn’t showing any interest in me. So Nat’s words, ‘pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again’ – all of these life lessons and words of wisdom were like fatherly advice. They were coming out of the speakers like Nat was singing those words just to me. I would listen to his albums and imagine that Nat was my father.” Porter’s love for Cole’s music blossomed so much that he adopted Cole as his surrogate father. After his role in the Tony-nominated musical It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues – but before rising to international acclaim in his solo career thanks to his mellifluous baritone, poignant originals, and invigorating concerts – Porter dramatized his deep appreciation for Cole in a semi-autobiographical musical, Nat King Cole & Me, which premiered in 2004. “That musical was a way of me trying to find my father,” Porter explains. “I wrote Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 09
Festivals Feature it after my father [Rufus Porter] had passed. The musical was of Nat King Cole; and half of the music was of my original writing. But the story is how I came to Nat’s music in the absence of my father. So in a way, it was some selfprescribed, self-written therapy and emotional medicine for myself. It just so happened that 800 people came to see it a night. After the play, I felt a lighter feeling about my father and a deeper appreciation for both my mother and the great music of Nat King Cole.” That musical underpins Porter’s third Blue Note Records release, Nat King Cole & Me, the follow-up to his GRAMMY-winning albums Liquid Spirit (2013) and Take Me to the Alley (2016), which established Porter as his generation’s most soulful jazz singer-songwriter. “It’s only natural that I go to the root of my inspiration and where I come from. And that root would be my mother and gospel music and Nat King Cole,” Porter says. With the help of six-time GRAMMYwinning arranger Vince Mendoza and a 10| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festivals Feature
core band featuring pianist Christian Sands, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Ulysses Owens, Porter revisits some of Cole’s most cherished classics such as “Smile,” “L-O-V-E,” “Nature Boy,” and “The Christmas Song.” Mendoza’s lush arrangements, animated by the London Studio Orchestra, cushion Porter’s brawny crooning to astonishing widescreen effect. “Vince captured the delicate and powerful messages in Nat’s songs through his arrangements,” Porter praises. “As a singer and carrier of the message, those messages are equally carried through the instrumentation. Vince just did an extraordinary job with the arrangements.” The album begins with Cole’s signature hit, “Mona Lisa,” which he recorded in 1950. Porter’s assured, languid phrasing paired with Mendoza’s cinematic arrangement, gives the classic newfound magnetism. A reading of the Charlie Chaplin standard, “Smile,” which Cole recorded in 1954, follows as Porter imbues the melody and verses with all the sincere reassurance that he gained from Cole. Even before creating the musical Nat King Cole & Me, Porter sang “Smile” on the 1998 album Hubert Laws Remembers the Unforgettable Nat King Cole, which marked Porter’s recording debut. The sepia-toned allure continues with Porter’s gorgeous rendering of “Nature Boy,” which Cole recorded in 1948. Porter’s measured singing magnifies the song’s deep sense of longing and mystery. “In a way, there’s a sweet, sophisticated sorrow in the song. And I was just a little boy when I first heard it, so I identiLet the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 11
Festivals Feature fied with this nature boy,” Porter says. Porter’s core band lifts the mood with a lively makeover of “L.O.V.E.,” which was the title-track of Cole’s final studio album recorded in 1964. Sands, Rogers and Owens quicken the momentum, and just as Cole’s version featured trumpeter Bobby Bryant, Porter’s version features trumpeter and fellow Blue Note artist Terence Blanchard unfurling a glistening solo. The singer demonstrates his acumen with singing in Spanish with his sensual take on “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas,” a popular tune written by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés that Cole featured on his 1958 LP, Cole Español. The album reaches its most theatrical flair with the extravagant treatment of Cole Porter’s “Miss Otis Regrets.” Porter’s voice bounces atop Mendoza’s ebullient arrangement of “Pick Yourself Up,” which Cole recorded with pianist George Shearing in 1961. “When Love Was King” is the album’s sole Porter composition, originally recorded on Liquid Spirit, and here underscored by Mendoza’s suspenseful orchestral strings. “Of all the songs that I’ve written, ‘When Love Was King’ is probably one that’s the most influenced by Nat,” Porter explains. “Nat always chose these message songs – songs that left you with a thought that you’d want to carry throughout the entirety of your life.” “Nat was also very instrumental in me finding my voice through my own writing,” Porter continues. “It wasn’t until I wrote the musical that I was fit to call myself a songwriter. Before that, I would write different poems but they had no music. The musical was the first time that I had a vehicle to put my work in one place and say, ‘this is what I did.’ So that musical brought out my songwriting and the confidence to write other songs.” Sweet, sophisticated sorrow also permeates “The Lonely One,” a tender ballad that appeared on Cole’s 1957 LP, After Midnight, while another emotional lift fol12| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you…
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lows with a rousing take on “Ballerina,” which Cole recorded in 1957. Porter’s yearning for his father becomes most vivid on the misty-eyed “I Wonder Who My Daddy Is,” a tune that was recorded by Nat’s brother, the vocalist Freddy Cole. “It was so interesting and strange that the message of this song, sung by Nat’s brother, was essentially telling my story,” Porter marvels. “I went about selecting the songs like I always do – first in a very emotional way,” Porter says. “I just gathered the songs that meant something to me over the years. There was a period in college when I had an injury to my shoulder and I needed music to soothe me at that time. So I ended up going back to Nat’s records. Then I did the same thing during the passing of my mother. In a way, there’s a familiarity and a calming effect to Nat’s music. Recording Nat’s music was very personal because I could hear and feel my mother. And I still feel myself searching for my father.” Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 13
Feature Lifestyle
GREGORY PORTER – 2017 U.S. TOUR DATES: Nov. 3 – Balboa Theater – San Diego, CA Nov. 4 – Newman Center – Denver, CO Nov. 5 – Piper Theater – Mesa, AZ Nov. 6 – Eccles Theater – Salt Lake City, UT Nov. 11 – Exit Zero Jazz Festival – Cape May, NJ Nov. 16 – Overture Center – Madison, WI Nov. 17 – Germantown Performing Arts Center – Germantown, TN Nov. 18 – The Palladium – Carmel, IN Nov. 19 – Cincinnati Music Hall – Cincinnati, OH **Gregory Porter with the Cincinnati Pops** Dec. 6 – The Theater at ACE Hotel – Los Angeles, CA Dec. 8-10 – SFJAZZ – San Francisco, CA 14 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Concert By: Moné Swann Johnny Mathis ……Clive Davis and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds - Teams up to bring some of todays new musical classics as “Johnny Mathis Sings the Great New American Song Book.” It doesn’t get better than to have two living legends in the same room at the same time talking about a project that they love. But, when a third emerges it seems surreal. Johnny Mathis born in September 30, 1935 in Gilmer, Texas came to national recognition with his first number 1 hit, Chances Are in 1957. Johnny is also, synonymous in most homes across the country for Christmas. Christmas is just not Christmas without hearing Johnny Mathis sing his popular rendition of Christmas songs. Clive Davis born April 4, 1932 graduate of Harvard Law School and New York University. For four decades he was in the forefront of decision making at Columbia, Arista, or J Records. He is currently chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment. He has won 5 Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer. As the president of Columbia records, he signed Janis Joplin, Aerosmith and many others. He is known for working with everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to Whitney Houston and Kelly Clarkson. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds born April 10, 1959 is a 11 time grammy winner, co-founder of LaFace Records with L.A. Reid in 1989 and supported the careers of award winning stars such as TLC, Toni Braxton, Outkast and Usher. Kenny wasn’t just an R&B hip hop producer or R&B artist. He has written and produced for Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Pink, 16 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Concert Carey, Pink, Beyoncé and the list goes on and on and on. When you bring these these three iconic figures together, you know that something magnificent is going to happen. Clive is known for making stars, Johnny Mathis is already a star vocalist and Babyface creates, produces, plays and writes for stars and is a star himself. You may ask yourself why is this collaboration happening. It’s simple, Clive wanted to create an American songbook and he wanted Johnny to sing the songs that would become traditional songbook for all the world to sing like Johnny’s Christmas songs. To make that happen, they needed the assistance of a musical producer, composer and artist who could transform Johnny Mathis’ sound into something legendary. Now, enters the scene Kenny “Babyface" Edmonds. When these three powerhouses come together you can expect the results to be nothing less than phenomenal. The way it works at the Grammy Theater, an artist will be interviewed and speak briefly with the audience and then perform or share his works with the audience. Clive, Johnny and Babyface sat on the stage and discussed coming together for the project and what it meant to them. Clive was enthusiastic about creating an American Songbook. Johnny was ecstatic about singing again and Kenny Edmonds in his quite sort of way expressed joy for working with the man he heard in his home every Christmas. He stated, “It wasn’t Christmas in our house until we heard Johnny Mathis singing Christmas songs.” Johnny Mathis was extremely humble and thanked Babyface for his comments. All three men gave Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 17
Concert gave accolades to each other for creating this project. Johnny was happy to be under contract for 50 years with the same recording company and thanked Clive for making that possible. Johnny also stated that he enjoyed the process of recording the album and working with the other two musical giants. They all expressed their joy to have worked together on the project. It was definitely a labor of love for all three legends.
1 Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
2 Once Before I Go
Peter Allen/Dean Pitchford
3 Blue Ain't Your Color Steven Lee Olsen/Hillary Lindsey/Clint Lagerberg
4 You Raise Me Up
Brendan Graham/Rolf Clive introduced each song and Babyface and John- Lovland ny would comment on them as well. They only 5 Say Something played 5 songs for the audience. They were all well Ian Axel/Mike Campbell/ Chad Vaccarino received. The energy in the room was high and cel6 Just The Way You Are ebratory for all of the good work the three had pro- Bruno Mars duced. It was a historic time at the Grammy Muse- 7 I Believe I Can R. Kelly um in the Clive Davis Theater sharing a special time 8 Remember When with the man for which the room was named. Alan Jackson
9 Happy
Pharrnell Williams 10 Hello - Adele
11 Run To You feat. Kenny G
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Concert By: Moné Swann Saxophonist, Andre Delano is a rare find. This native of St. Louis, Illinois is more than your ordinary saxophonist. He has what they call savior faire. You know, urbanity, suavity, finesse, etc. I attended the performance of a lifetime at the Sol Venue in Carson, California for the CD Release Party for Andre Delano IV. I don’t want to give anything away, but he does have an audience participation piece in the show that you have to be there to experience. The show was great. He had a little something for everyone. His skills as a musician, vocalist and performer take you to a place that many new school performers can’t touch. He’s personable, funny and mesmerizes crowds with his stage presence and musicality. If you would like to be entertained, buy tickets when he is in your town, you won’t be disappointed.
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The musical artistry of Andre Delano IV
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Kim Simmonds, the founder and continuing leader of the legendary blues/rock band Savoy Brown, has released Jazzin' On The Blues on his own Panache label. He shows off his acoustic playing with a beautiful mix of jazz, blues and a new age style.... twelve instrumentals played with the assurance and mastery of a virtuoso guitar player. - Amazon
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By: Shumon Hutchinson Nestled in the hills of Bel Air, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill & Jazz is a perfect fit for this exclusive community of Los Angeles as they bring style and class to the dinner jazz environment. Spearheaded by Alpert himself and managed by his daughter Eden Alpert, Vibrato Grill and Jazz has the perfect combination of a bar lounge, formal dining and live jazz featuring some of the most renown jazz artists in the world. An impressive wine list and amazing cocktails shaken as well as stirred are served up whether you choose the casual and very social bar lounge or the more intimate dinner section, which is located conveniently right in front of the stage. The food menu offers popular selections that would satisfy the vegan, the vegetarian and the carnivore alike. Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 23
Concert When it comes to jazz performers only the best can grace their stage and their regulars are always prepared for a treat. I had the pleasure of watching guitarist Blake Aaron featuring saxophonist Michael Paulo and vocalist Kimaya and as much as I have the pleasure of listening to live jazz this was a show that I never wanted to end. Aaron is one of the most passionate guitarist I’ve witnessed, his love and affection for his art is so beautifully and perfectly expressed with every string he touches. Every song he played was my new favorite until he played the next song. His pianist, Rob Mullins, stole my heart as he was featured a few times and never disappointed. Dave Hooper on drums and Desean Jeffrey on bass kept the party going as they played crowd favorites from vocalist Kimaya such as “All Is Fair In Love” by Stevie Wonder and she belted the song out like it was written just for her. 24| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Kimaya Michael Paulo The show was even taken to another level when, saxophonist Michael Polo jumped on stage blowing, dancing and somehow smiling at the same time. He played and danced on stage, he played and danced through the crowd and one lucky patron may have had him play on her lap. And then it was Blake Aaron’s turn, into the crowd he goes and even out to the bar never missing a beat. These artists were having just as much fun as the audience and it was an absolute party at this upscale venue. Currently riding high with his new CD “Vivid” as it is #10 on the Billboard singles Jazz Chart.
Concert Blake being very personal with the audience in between songs, but what really stood out was his warmness before the show, as he did his final prep on stage with his instruments, he came over and greeted all the patron near the stage who were eating to thank each one of them for coming out. This thoroughly impressed one of the regulars who comes to Vibrato’s two to three times a week. She stated earlier that she just started getting familiar with Blake’s music about four months ago and how she loves his music, but now he has made a new fan for life. Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill & Jazz is everything you can ask for a dinner jazz experience to be. Providing outstanding cuisine and an impressive line up of jazz artists in an elegant environment.
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live @ pop podium By: Inge Wenzel
Photos By: Wouter Loeve – www.nicepictures.nl
The evening of Oct. 21, somewhere in the east of the Netherlands is a small town called Hengelo (Ov). A town not too far from the German border. As in most of the Netherlands (Dutch) pop, rock, dance, trance is the most popular music style here. But on Oct. 21 in Hengelo, the night has been stirred up by the familiar sounds of Dave Koz and his band from the UK: Oli Silk, Frank Felix, Marc Parnell, Mark Jaimes and last but not least Candy Dulfer came by at the end of the show to play a couple of songs together with vocalist Camilo Rodriguez. Last year Dave Koz played for the first time in the Netherlands in Amsterdam and his show sold out at the North Sea Jazz Club.
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Dave and Inge
Concert It is a bit of a risk to bring a big name (and relative unknown) artist like Dave Koz to a little town, compared to Amsterdam. But one thing I was certain of and didn’t need to worry about and that is that Dave’s show will be a blast, successful and intense! And he did it again! The audience went crazy! People/fan’s came from all over the Netherlands and abroad, Germany and even France! And to me it was another step to introduce this music style to the Dutch people, and I couldn’t have chosen a better person for this than Dave Koz! About 1/3 of the audience didn’t know Dave Koz, (It was Dave himself that asked the audience during the show!) And those new people definitely returned home as new fans of Dave Koz. Among these new fans were teenagers that had been dragged and pushed by their parents to join them. Watching a Youtube clip or listening to a CD is completely different than experiencing a smooth jazz show LIVE and in person! “SmoothJazz is a Lif(v)e style.” I said this once to Dave, which he fully agreed, “the difference between a live smooth jazz performance and a CD recording - are two very different forms of smooth jazz, live is very upbeat while recordings can sometime be on the subdued side.”
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Concert Unlike the USA, in the Netherlands we didn’t grow up with instrumental (jazz/pop/soul) music that was broadcasted on the radio when we were kids, so to bring this music to the people here is quite a challenge, but I feel it is changing for the better. And with strong acts like Dave, there is a 100% of guaranteed success for sure! Dave and the guys from the UK, kept pushing the flow and intensity in their show and THAT is exactly what is needed for the (new) audience here in the Netherlands! He managed to lead his audience to an altered state “we didn’t grow up with of awareness that kept them under control with his music; no matter what there is no chance, you instrumental (jazz/pop/ soul) music that was ARE under his control now! Haha broadcasted on the raNow that we have made our point again, my task is dio when we were to keep this iron hot with more intense smooth kids…” jazz live shows and I am working on that. I am Inge Wenzel, piano/keyboard teacher, booker, owner and promoter of Smoothjazz.eu. Together with my sponsor Host Access Solutions, Radio Jazzmeeting and (soon will join) sponsor Yardwork we form a team to promote this music style in The Netherlands. There is great potential but people here just need to get a chance to get in touch with it. So I started to collaborate with a local radio station Jazzmeeting and was very lucky to be able collaborate with this great pop venue Metropool in Hengelo where they were open to my suggestions! 30 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Concert In order to bring instrumental (jazz) music to the people, we need to make that step a little bit easier for them and by letting people experiencing the smooth jazz live shows are the best way to do so here. Once people are familiar with the instrumental (pop/soul) music, its more easier for them to explore many other related jazz/ fusion styles. Smooth Jazz is like a bridge to many other jazz styles. And next to this I think it will also stimulate people/ kids/ teenagers to perhaps learn an instrument which is good for the economy as it would bring more work for music teachers! One other thing that brings this music closer to the people is to organize free shows at times; so 6x a year I organize an event in Metropool which is low budget and free of admittance called JazzRock Café. As music is like life; its changing/ moving like the waves and so it is here, where this “new” music style called smooth jazz is slowly moving in our direction to The Netherlands… I am sure it is! We just need time.. And as Dave texted me on his way back to the airport the next day: “We’re just getting started!”
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Concert
Yes, she is a woman saxophonist and one of the best on the planet. She is a graduate of Berkley School of Music and is probably considered one of the most recognized female saxophonist in the world. She has performed on American Idol and toured with Aerosmith for 2 years. She has worked with greats like Lalah Hathaway, Keb' Mo', Booker T. Jones and Gregg Allman. During the show, Mindi candidly speaks about her journey to stardom to the jam-packed audience in the intimate 200 seat Clive Davis Theater at the Grammy Museum. The show is set up to commence with an interview of the group and then a performance. The conversation begins with Mindi Abair and her band The Boneshakers reflecting on the recording process of the Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 33
Concert latest album and the band's evolution. They shared funny moments and the difficulties that can occur during the recording process. Mindi even shared some of her enlightening experiences with Greg Allman.
Randy Jacobs
Two of the musicians in her band are guitarist Randy Jacobs and passionate vocalist Sweet Pea Atkinson, both from the original group, Was Not Was chimed in on the pleasures of working with Mindi. The afternoon concluded with an electrifying performance enjoyed by all. There were some old friends of hers in the audience, even her first saxophone teacher introduced himself to the crowed to say how proud he was of her success. Mindi and The Boneshakers' musical expression was raw, heartfelt and reverberated throughout the theater. A very touching, high energy musical afternoon with Mindi and The Boneshakers.
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Sweet Pea Atkinson
Concert
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Lifestyle
By Robin Munro It was an absolute honor and pleasure to interview the legendary “Godfather of Black Theatre” Shelly Garrett, who is bringing his stage play Beauty Shop celebrating 30 years to Dallas, Texas on November 24th. I asked him when hearing that how does it make him feel? He stated, “Such a blessing.” The Dallas native went on to say that a documentary is being made about his life and a crew was just recently in Dallas, Texas. I shared with him that the buzz is already being created that he is bringing “Beauty Shop” to Dallas with a phenomenal cast and we are waiting with great anticipation. With thirty years of entertaining audiences nationwide with Beauty Shop, what was the inspiration for writing the play? He explained how he would stop in a beauty shop every week to get a manicure. One day he was in the shop and a woman walked in with a shower cap on her head and house shoes to his amazement and everyone in the shop just stopped and looked at her. Finally, someone asked her “May we help you? The woman
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Lifestyle
with her hands on her hips and screamed, “I want to know which one of you sluts in this beauty shop is screwing around with my husband.” He said her response made him laugh so hard that he was going to write a show about a beauty shop and use that line all over the country, and that he did. Actually, he was going to call the stage play “Beauty Salon”, but his mother said black folks don’t call it that, they call it beauty shop, so he changed the name. He never said it was easy by any means. He lived in San Bernardino at the time and decided to stage the play at a 550 seat venue at a college there 38| SmoothJazz Magazine
on April 5, 1987. He was handing out flyers trying to promote the show, but to his disappointment he only sold 40 tickets for the first show and 42 tickets for the second show. With that being said, he was ready to quit. Persuaded by his parents, he then decided he would take it to LA to a venue with 1270 seats at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. He thought the idea was crazy and wasn’t very optimistic about the prospect, but gave it a shot. He decided to utilize radio station KJLH 102.3FM to run ten spots a day for seventeen days to promote the show. That paid huge dividends. The show sold out. Beauty
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Festivals Lifestyle was a mainstay that would sell out at this theatre consistently for two years, every FridaySunday until it went on tour in September of 1989 in Detroit. There were eight shows a week for four weeks and all them sold out. He saw momentum and liked it. Social Media did not exist at that time of course, but he used word of mouth to continue the buzz about the play. When Beauty Shop arrived in NYC, the number one Broadway show was “Cats”. Beauty Shop was at the Beacon Theatre and out sold the number one Broadway Show “Cats” and became the talk of the city via the media and the press. After the word got out and Beauty Shop went viral in a non-existent social media age, the stage play had been in 66 cities for 8 shows a week for 50 weeks a year. Shelly Garrett was notified October 2016 that he was being inducted in the New Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History. When I asked him about that honor he said, “I almost fell over.” He and his wife, Doris, were watching President Obama talking about this new museum. He was notified two days later after watching President Obama that he was going to be inducted into the museum and was invited to see it. Upon visiting, he saw himself and his work on the 4th floor Culture Galleries called “Taking the Stage.” This exhibit explores the history of African Americans in theater, film, and television. Words really cannot describe the tribute to him. It was something he has never seen before and he was honored to say the least and stated that it is definitely something to see because there is nothing quite like this museum. Shelly Garrett is truly a class act. I asked him why the show is such a success even now and what is the secret sauce why audiences cannot get enough? He stated, “I think it is because I don’t throw a show together for the money.” He was kind enough to share his regimen of writing from 4 am to noon when is mind is clear and maybe rewrite a show 25 times before he begins rehearsals. Not only that, he is very strict with the cast. His philosophy is not for them to portray a character, Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 39
Lifestyle but to become the character. His work is impeccable and admired by many and I asked him if someone has an incredible, relatable story to tell and wants it on stage, what is his advice? He quickly stated, “Never give up on you dream, because I almost did. Every dream can be accomplished as long as you don’t give up.” Celebrating 30 years Shelly Garrett shared that Beauty Shop is updated and is still more than entertaining. There are cast that bring it and can really (sang) sing. The flamboyant character Christopher Rich seems to gravitate fans towards him, but there are other new characters introduced that will be very well received. It is a very exciting time for Shelly Garrett and Beauty Shop. When asked what is next on the horizon, he quickly replied, “Only God knows that. I don’t know.” It was truly an honor to speak with a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star that was gracious, humble, and whose work ethic is out of this world.
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Lifestyle Crenshaw Boulevard, a street known across the country, as it has been in several popular movies depicting the nightlife of this community on a Saturday night as the streets is filled with youths and low-riders. But now in its 12th year in October, the streets are closed off from a stretch from Rodeo Road to Stocker Street and become transformed into one major FREE block party from 10:am to 7:pm where live music filled the air and the 300,000 in attendance crowd walked from one end to the other with a bevy of vendors to choose from, as some handed everything from food, flyers and products. The creator Danny Bakewell a known activist in the community, has grown this event to become a mega family experience. Danny also gave thanks to his sponsor’s, ranging from McDonalds, Hyundai, Bank of America, Ivie McNeill & Wyatt a Law firm and several local politicians for their support while at the private VIP Reception held at the California African American Museum in Expo Park on Friday evening just before the official Taste of Soul kicked off.
Danny Bakewell
It had been several years since I last attended , but immediately, upon arriving in the area, I could tell that it was being run like a well oiled machine, with plenty of parking guide instructing people where to drive and get around the blocked streets to designated shuttle locations. I parked on Rodeo Rd., and once inside I noticed that there were more booths from what I remembered, and even at 10:am lines were forming at vendors.
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Lifestyle Festivals The vendors consisted of many types of foods, Catfish, Ice Cream, BBQ, Taco, Popcorn, Shaved Ice and various types of Chicken and Fries while other items from clothing, jewelry, beauty supply, hair salons, health test, informational booth and local TV morning show host signed auto graphs and took pictures with fans while other local businesses, hospitals, schools and all city officials had their own booth reaching out to the large community of event goers. With any great street fair there has to be great music and this event did not disappoint, there was a Gospel stage, The Wave stage (funk R&B) and KJLH stage that opened up with DW3 the local house band for Spagettini’s Jazz Club This band can cover any type of music and the crowd got into them immediately. Headling this stage was Lalah Hathaway. A favorite of mine was the Ohio Players on The Wave Stage while The Gospel Stage performance by Anita Wilson was inspirational. Other stages included the StarSearch, and Children Zone featuring hip hop to ballet while from time to time local High School bands would march among the crowds getting them even more hyped. Another new feature was the Motown Experience, this exclusive section had its own taste of soul buffet and its own personal DJ, playing all the Motown hits. And this new concept was a sure hit.
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Lifestyle
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Festivals Lifestyle The crowd was also thoroughly entertained by street mimes and impersonators, the kids really enjoyed them. But for me, seeing and hearing Congress Woman Maxine Waters (Auntie Waters) speak “Claiming my time” to the delight of those at the KJLH stage, made for a memorable moment along with The Reverend Jesse Jackson giving his now “I am somebody” mantra that the audience repeated in unison while getting a rousing ovation. Mr. Bakewell thanked numerous politicians who helped made this event a success as without them he stated this event would not take place in the community. A bit of advice, wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking and standing as the only stage with seating was at KJLH. Also, to taste the taste of soul, you will need to have a mini bank roll as some food vendor prices are pricy. But overall, the experience was good as everyone was there to just have a good time and that they did.
Concert In Photos
Billy Kilson
Carlitos Del Puerto Photos By: Melanie Futorian
Wycliffe Gordon 46 | SmoothJazz Magazine
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Concert In Photos Drums: JonathanPhotos BlakeBy: Samuel Caldwell Jr. Bass: Nat Reeves Sax: Ravi Coltrane
Piano: William Henderson Photos By: Melanie Futorian
Nicholas Payton
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Remembering Festivals
FATS Domino Dies at 89 Fats Domino (Antoine Dominique Domino Jr.), New Orleans music legend, and one of the architects of rock 'n' roll, dead at 89 at his home in Harvey, Louisiana from natural causes. Know for his classics hits like "I'm Walkin," "Ain't That a Shame" and "Blueberry Hill," Fats was honored with 4 GRAMMYs. Fats Domino, the New Orleans rhythm-and-blues singer whose two-fisted boogie-woogie piano and nonchalant vocals, heard on dozens of hits, made him one of the biggest stars of the early rock ’n’ roll era. 48 | SmoothJazz Magazine
Harry Connick Jr RIP fats domino... you helped pave the way for New Orleans piano players... see you on top of that blueberry hill in the sky.
LLCOOLJ. Rest in paradise to Fats Domino. He paved the way for so many. I remember listening to his music as a little boy.
Samuel L. Jackson I found My Thrill on " Blueberry Hill"! RIP Fats Domino
Dr. John "That innocence is there in his music ... people respond to that goodness." - Dr. John on Fats Domino. RIP, Fats.
Gov John Bel Edwards "Our hearts are heavy today" Fats Domino.
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Remembering
William "Bootsy" Collins We lost another original great one that helped pioneer the blue print of our musical highway. Mr. Fats Domino as we Send out yr prayers & love vibes to his family & friends. R.I.P. & MAY YR LEGACY LIVE ON… Brian Wilson Fats Domino’s songs were all over the radio when I was growing up. He was a great singer and piano player and his music will last forever. Kid Rock We have lost a TRUE American treasure. God bless you Fats!! RIP
Rep. Steve Scalise A New Orleans legend — Fats Domino will be missed.
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New CD Releases 2017
Lalah Hathaway “Honestly" 11/03/17 BUY
Slim Man “Young At Heart ”10/20/17 BUY
Boyz II Men “Under The Streetlight" 10/20/17 BUY
Chante Moore "Rise Of The Phoenix" 10/20/17 BUY
Kenny Lattimore “Vulnerable" 10/13/17 BUY
Soweco “Keep On”” 10/02/17 BUY
Will Downing "Soul Survivor” 09/22/17 BUY
Ledisi “Let Love Rule” 09/22/17 BUY
Victor Wooten Dennis Chambers Bob Franceschini Trypnotyx 090817 BUY
CD Review
Rick Braun
Peter White
David Benoit
Dave Koz
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CD Review By: Keivu G. Knox
With the Holiday season vastly approaching , saxophonist Dave Koz, is giving us an early Christmas present with his new release. Celebrating twenty years of his successful Christmas concerts and armed with an A-List of musicians and singers, Koz releases his 6th Christmas album, simply titled “Dave Koz and Friends: 20th Anniversary Christmas.”
For some it could be a daunting task to recreate the wheel and record new and original versions of timeless Christmas classics, but Koz is able to navigate this task with ease. “Winter Wonderland” is the album’s opener and within the first few seconds, the Holiday Spirit fills your ears and heart. Joining Koz in the core band are pianist David Benoit, trumpeter Rick Braun, and guitarist Peter White, which are also the original band members at the start of Koz’s Christmas concept. “Joy To The Wonderful World” is a poignant medley of “Joy to the World” and “What a Wonderful World.” It’s the perfect soundtrack to a winter stroll through the park. “Christmas Time Is Here” is one of my favorites, as this gorgeous melody gives room for everyone to deliver their personal touch to this holiday gem. This album is not just about the instrumentals. Gabriel Orengo jumps on board for a cover of Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” that evokes Take 6-like harmonies by the end of the track. Selina Albright delivers a powerful and commanding vocal performance on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” that arguably becomes the modern day standard that all future versions can only hope to match. On “Silent Night,” Javier Colon lends his soaring vocals to a song that evolves from a gentle lullaby to an emotional message of peace. Not to be outdone, Kenny Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 53
CD Review Lattimore presents his take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that showcases all of the great vocal dynamics that has made his voice such a force in the r&b and jazz circles. The album closes with the best of both the instrumental and vocal worlds with “The Home Medley.” On this track we find a lovely instrumental interpretation of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and a rousing and inspired version of Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” featuring the incomparable Jeffrey Osborne on lead vocals. It is the perfect closing song that captures the essence of the Christmas season. While Christbums shelf life ple of “Dave Friends versary Christmas” is a livers on any day during keeps on giving, and as proaches, we are sinFriends for this musical and family, roast some bake some cookies and
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most mas alhave a of a coumonths, Koz and 20th Annistrong enough album that dethe year. It is truly a gift that the season of Thanksgiving apcerely thankful to Koz and present. Grab your friends chestnuts on an open fire, enjoy!
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Smooth Jazz
Magazine
CD Review
By: Azval Ismail Whenever the name Dee Dee Bridgewater is mentioned on imagines lush vocals, a flawless technique and a vocal quality that is unique in the pantheon of jazz vocal divas. With well over twenty album releases, Ms Bridgewater is no stranger to the recording industry and to the jazz scene in a career that has always embraced various musical genres from pop to jazz. However, it is the release of her latest album that is creating an air of excitement and anticipation among her many fans worldwide.
ploration of her early musical roots and influences.
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In order to truly honor her roots, the 2017 NEA Jazzmaster recipient and 3 time Grammy winner had to to return home to as she says “ Do it right from the beginning.” Incidentally for those of you who are not aware, Ms Bridgewater is also the UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Co produced by fellow Memphis native and Grammy winner Kirk Whalum, and engineered by the incompaMs Bridgewater comes full rable Grammy winning engicircle with this album with a neer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchreturn to the city of her ell, this album perfectly capbirth, Memphis and an ex- tures that distinct, soulful
Lifestyle
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CD Review that can only be had with the heart of someone who knows the city, it’s people and it’s culture intimately. It is clearly evident that Ms. Bridgewater was determined to capture the magic and the history of the Blues, R&B and Soul classics infused a Southern Baptist gospel flavor that is unique to that part of the world. While respecting the original versions of the songs that she has recorded on this album, she has also infused a modern spirit to those originals. When you listen to “The Thrill is Gone” you can almost imagine B B King nodding his head in approval. When you listen to “Try a Little Tenderness” you can picture Otis Redding standing there smiling...Same for the other greats to whom she gives acknowledgement, Al Green, The Staple Sisters, Ann Peebles, Bobby Blue Bland.. In terms of material and selection it just does not get much better than this. The end result of this album is the look and the feel of Memphis of the heart of Memphis that is infused with Dee Dee Bridgewaters own originality and fierce passion. Each track a joy and a pleasure to listen to over and over again. The release of the album will be accompanied by the release of international tour dates on he website at www.deedeebridgewater.com The multifaceted Dee Dee Bridgewater notches up yet another brilliant album well worth listening to and having in your collection. I know it’s a worthy addition to my own collection. Enjoy… 58| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Lifestyle
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CD Review By: Gwen Britton-Bagley
JESSE
COOK
Jesse Cook is a distinguished Canadian Flamenco guitarist, composer, and producer. His latest CD entitled "Beyond Borders" upholds his traditional style of Flamenco Jazz Fusion and takes his listeners on a musical journey through various world cultures. The tracks, which contain a smooth blend of jazz and Flamenco Rumba as well as Latin, Arabian, and Moorish music, enable his audience to experience the sound of music from many parts of the globe.
ing the Cha Cha, Palmas, and Zapateado. The up-tempo song is playful in nature, as the rhythmic direction of the song changes unexpectedly.
Beyond Borders
In addition, Cooks’ prolific guitar rhythms are featured on the songs "Above the Rain" and A mi Nina" in which he clearly demonstrates that he is master of his domain. Although this album shies away from edgy rhythms and arrangements, it isn’t quiet about its passion and charm. "Beyond Borders" is full of beautiful songs and is a great CD to add to your collection.
Two songs that help to accomplish Cooks’ goal of producing a musical world journey are "Wisdom of a Thousand Years" and "Beyond Borders". These textured songs blend various elements from Arabic and Latin music. The most promising song on his CD, "Double Dutch,” is a festive and lively song in which the artist uses a drum, a guitar, and a violin to create a mood for danc60| SmoothJazz Magazine
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CD Review By: Maria L. Lewis Kyle Eastwood is no stranger to the world of Jazz. A bassist and son of legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood has recorded and performed in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. spanning two decades. Kyle performs with a quintet of musicians, that have a continuous history of performing together. The longest – term members of the group are pianist Andrew McCormack (12 yrs) and trumpeter and flugel hornist Quentin Collins (9 yrs). Newer to the fold are tenor and soprano saxophonist Brandon Allen, and the latest member, drummer Chris Higginbottom. His latest album “In Transit” features 5 original compositions, and 5 revisited Jazz classics giving recognition to his influences, while bringing those traditions into a contemporary context.
painting a canvas of rich melody and euphoria for the listener. “Night Flight” is an uptempo track with cool progressions in the bass line – featuring solos on tenor sax and trumpet. Improvisation at its best with “Jarreau” taking us back to the days of Miles Davis and Art Blakey with its traditional Jazz elements. Also worth noting that “Jarreau” is an original composition paying tribute to the late great Al Jarreau. The album wraps up with the classic “Boogie Stop Shuffle”. Once again paying homage to another giant of the 50’s and 60’s era Charles Mingus – with its Big Band style and sound.
“In Transit” is Starting off the album with “Soulful now available Times”. Life is good with its easy swing worldwide on feel, brilliant piano harmonies, and en- Digital, CD, and ergetic horns. “ Cinema Paradiso” begins Vinyl. Check it out! with a dramatic solo on bass, then joined by tenor sax, and acoustic piano – Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 61
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