Brian Simpson*Dan Siegal*Marc Antione*Tony Saunders
Sep/Oct 2021
SmoothJazz TM
MAGAZINE
38
Feature
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12 Carol Albert - A New Chapter Jazz Notes 22 Cindy Bradley Talks 08 2022 Jazz Masters The Evolution of…. Robert Glasper 32 Jeanette Harris - A Jazz Jewel Blue Note New York Festival 38 Berks 30th Review 54 Rhythm on the Vine 56 Jazz and Coffee Escape 62 Norfolk Waterfront 68 Gardena Jazz 70 Dallas Riverfront Jazz 56
Residency @
CD Reviews 81 Dan Siegal - Faraway Place 83 Tony Saunders - All About Love 85 Brian Simpson - All That Matters 87 Marc Antione Something About Her
CD Releases
79
SmoothJazz Jazz
September / October 2021 Art Jackson - Publisher/CEO Dr. Ahava Talon - Editor in Chief Doris Gee - Research Manager Mann - Graphic Artist Manager
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Contributing Writers Giget C. Johnson Sheila Ross Keivu Knox Theresa Payne Gretchen Law Mia Howard Mina Kim
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Contributing Photographers Rod Morant Chanelle Harris Ronald Parker Ron Hancox Gina Bina Mann Mia Howard Marilyn Lingenfelter James Bobby Roebuck
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Gina Bina: Inset * Long Beach, CA * Sunrise
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The week of September 04, 2021 Release Lin Rountreee
2 3 4 5
Living Out Lout Steve Cole feat. Blake Aaron Midnight Sun Darren Rahn feat. James Lloyd Deep Into It Paul Brown Feat Rick Braun Right Amends On Time Richard Elliot
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Jazz For 40 years, the National Endowment for the Arts has honored individuals for their lifetime contributions to jazz, an art form that continues to expand and find new audiences through the contributions of individuals such as the 2022 NEA Jazz Masters honorees—Stanley Clarke, Billy Hart, Cassandra Wilson, and Donald Harrison, Jr., recipient of the 2022 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy. In addition to receiving a $25,000 award, the recipients will be honored in a concert on Thursday, March 31, 2022, held in collaboration with and produced by SFJAZZ. The 2022 tribute concert will take place at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, California, with free tickets available for the public to reserve in February 2022. The concert will also be live streamed. More details will be available in early 2022. This will be the third year the NEA and SFJAZZ have collaborated on the tribute concert, which in 2020 and 2021 took place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of honoring exceptional individuals in jazz with the NEA Jazz Masters class of 2022,” said Ann Eilers, acting chairman for the National Endowment of the Arts. “Jazz continues to play a significant role in American culture thanks to the dedication and artistry of individuals such as these and we look forward to working with SFJAZZ on a concert that will share their music and stories with a wide audience next spring.” 08| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Jazz October 7; 66
1-November Shows Across 33 Nights
New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club announces the return of multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Robert Glasper to the Blue Note stage for a stacked “Robtober” Fall residency. From October 1 to November 7, Glasper will perform a total of 66 shows across 33 nights, including Halloween weekend. The run of shows continues Blue Note’s historic 40th anniversary festivities.
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www.brittanyatterberry.com Rising National Recording Smooth Jazz artist Brittany Atterberry is a blazing, soulful hot new female saxophonist. Her insatiable love for R&B matched only by her adoration for the idiosyncrasies of jazz shows Brittany’s versatility while she brings an energetic, smooth and sophisticated approach to the stage. Be ready for her to explode on the scene!
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Carol Albert is an artist that had enjoyed great success as of late on the Smooth Jazz charts. On the heels of "Perfect Sunday" being a charttopper, she recently released "For The Moment" which is destined for the same success. Recently, we met with Carol to discuss her past accomplishments and what's on the horizon.
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Feature By: Keivu G. Knox SJM: How ate things going for you Carol? Carol: Things are good, just trying to manage it all. Being an independent artist, I have to keep tabs on my to-do items and make sure I get things done. SJM: I see that you have been back on tour and have done a few concerts recently. Now that things are opening up, how have you been adjusting? Carol: I think for myself, it's been great to perform again after not performing, for over a year. I think it's still a little uncertain in terms of what the future holds with upcoming gigs and potential cancellations. That requires an emotional adjustment. But the shows I have done are amazing, and the audience has been so receptive because they are happy to see live music again. People love the interaction between the artists, and n look thing can replace the energy of live music. SJM: Have you made any personal adjustments? Carol: No, I haven't made any changes personally. I haven't moved or changed my goals. I may be going about things a little differently, but I still want to write music, I'm working on a new album, and, I'm continuing to stay involved with family, friends, and the industry. I've attended more webinars to stay informed. One is helping me with creating goals and always keeping the "why" of things as a priority. When I'm aware of my "why," I'm able to focus on it and work towards it. I want to be able to give people something meaningful, especially with some peoSep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 13
Feature ple battling hopelessness with everything going on. It helps keep me balanced. SJM: Speaking of balance, I want to ask how you are able to balance all that you do. You have a successful career, you're teaching people h ok w to play the piano, and you place a high priority on spending time with family. What is your secret? Carol: I think that for me it's setting priorities. For me, its starts with God, family, and health first. After that, then I focus on work, and I think doing it that way kind of keeps you on track and keeps you balanced. Things fall into place a bit easier. When you put too much on your plate, it is easier to get off balance and it makes things more challenging. SJM: Switching gears a bit, "Stronger Now" continues to do well, with "Perfect Sunday" being a favorite. What was your inspiration behind that song? Carol: That song is important because the title is actually very relevant to the song. I was in the process of writing the song but I wanted something different. I was out walking on a Sunday and it was the perfect day with the weather and I thought that would make sense to title the song "Perfect Sunday." It's relaxing with an upbeat melody, and we had some great players on it. Everything came into place to where it was really the perfect song. SJM: So you had the song first and then the title came to you on that day? Carol: For my songs, l just hear the melody in my mind, and then play it, but I don't title it then. I will title them after I've been working on the song a little bit. It will just come to me and I'll be thinking "oh that's the perfect, or it's the perfect title for this." And that process is also true with the titles of my albums. I have an idea of what I want to do and then I'm all over that idea for a long time, and then all of a sudden, the title will come. I'm actually in the process of doing that with my new album. I have ideas that I'm compiling but I don't have a title just let. I 14| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Feature “I think it's more about going on with my life, it's more about, where I am today. I've said everything that I think I've had to say about loss, grief, and recovery. So now I think it's about a new chapter and going forward.“ Carol Albert have a firm belief in where things are headed with it. SJM: Are you still in the new album or are you in
writing stages for the the recording stage yet?
Carol: I have a couple of some collaborating on artists. I'm working on man from Spyro Gyra figuring out if I want to so I'm still in the early
songs so far, I've done the writing with other songs with Tom Schuand Paul Brown. I'm still do an EP or a full album stages.
SJM: Is the content inor is this something to-
spired by the pandemic tally different?
Carol: I think it's more life, it's more about, said everything that I about loss, grief, and reit's about a new chapter
about going on with my where I am today.. 8've think I've had to say covery. So now I think and going forward.
SJM: Tell us about your latest single, "For The Moment." That appears to be doing well for you Carol: "For The Moment" is a song that I wrote for the pandemic, but my inspiration behind the song was from a book I was reading. It was about living in the present, and, that is something that I personally struggle with. I'm learning that you're able to enjoy life more by staying in the present, whether it's a relationship or a phase of life that you're in. Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 15
Feature SJM: I know we're talking about moving forward but let's look back for a bit. A lot of people may not be aware that you released some albums in the early 90s. Do you remember what you were thinking during that time, did you have any expectations? Carol: I didn't have a lot of expectations, to be honest. I recorded two albums with an independent German record company and it was nice to do that. I didn't have any goals with it but it was nice that I released them. I still get notes from DJs letting me know when they play singles from those albums. After those two albums, we parted ways and then I did a Christmas album. I also did some writing for a PBS mini-series for TV. But after all of that I wanted to take a break, I didn't want to travel anymore and I took time off from the business. I didn't really get back into writing until 2014, but that's when things really began to take off again, and it's been busy ever since! SJM: Let me ask you this, is there any type of project that you haven't done that you would consider doing? Carol: Well I've been more and more thinking about collaborating with other people in terms of writing and creating. But that's a hard question. Sometimes I just
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Feature go with the flow and if something just comes up out of the blue, then I go with it. SJM: Speaking of collaborations, if you could have the ultimate collaboration, who would it be with and what song would you like to cover. Carol: Tat's a hard one. I've already covered one of my favorite tunes when I did "Mas Que Nada." I would probably love to collaborate with Stevie Wonder, and maybe cover one of his songs, I've always been a fan of Stevie Wonder, and also Elton John, I'm heavily influenced by Elton John. And if I ever had a chance to collaborate with him, that would be like the ultimate dream come true. SJM: I'm sure another dream came true in 2017, when "On My Way" my way was your first billboard charting song. What were your thoughts when you finally made it on a Billboard chart? Do you remember where you were and what your reaction was? Carol: I can't remember where I was. I do remember having a glass of wine and celebrating, and I remember that it was a good bottle of wine (laughs) But with the music business, it's like "what's next?" I didn't have time to celebrate for too long, because I knew that I had more work to do. SJM: Let me ask you this. You have mentioned it earlier, and I was aware that you have composed for a TV series. Is your approach different compared to writing for an album? Carol: Absolutely, because it's more directed by what they, the producers want as opposed to what I know at that moment when I write my original songs. I'm able to dictate that. For TV you write with a specific purpose, and some people have the ability and discipline to do that. Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 17
Feature SJM: Here's a random, but a somewhat relevant question related to what we're talking about. What is your favorite TV theme song? Carol: Another hard question! (laughs) Through the years there have been some great theme songs, I can say people always used to ask me to play Hill Street Blues, which was like one of the most requested songs for me. Also, the Snoopy theme is so iconic and I love to play it as well. I was watching a documentary on CNN about TV theme songs and how they have evolved over the years, and it made me remember so many great songs. SJM: Now tell us about something totally unrelated to your music, what is the secret behind "Carol's famous Carrot Cake? Carol: (laughs) You know, one of the things of being from the south, I learned how to cook really early. My mother gave me this cookbook; it was a cake cookbook when I was in the eighth grade. I still have it but w it's literally falling apart and the pages are disintegrating! But it taught me how to make cake from scratch and it's just something that I've continued to do over the years. It's to the point now where if I make it, and post it on Facebook, people will ask me "Can you make me your famous Carrot Cake?" Even my son, who lives in DC, when I go see him, he will ask me to 18| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Feature make it, but a lot of times I have to get the things I need for it because he doesn't know! But it's one of the things I really like to make, maybe I'll open up a bakery! (Laughs) SJM: So now we're at the end and here's your final question. What is one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you, whether it's a hobby or a hidden talent, or something that you like to do? Carol: I'll give you a couple of things, First, I like gardening. I like to work in my garden. For me it's a very peaceful, time to be outside, planting flowers. One thing that I used to do a lot that I miss is running. I used to run a lot. I don't run anymore but I've run three marathons in my lifetime and eight half marathons but I've retired from running to focus on other things. SJM: Thank you for that, and thank you for sharing your time with us today. Best of luck on the new album and future dates! Carol: Thank you so much it was my pleasure!
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Feature By: Keivu G. Knox
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Feature From the moment By: Giget Johnson Cindy Bradley answered the phone, I knew that I was speaking with a kindred spirit. She is friendly, humble, kind, and familiar. So many things about her life experiences are similar to mine. What resonated most with me is that her parents, like mine for me, are her best friends. Asked what woman has had the biggest impact upon her life and she knew that answer was her mother. “My Mom! I think she’s one of the kindest, most resilient women I’ve ever met. I’m not saying this because she’s my Mom. She’s my #1 fan, has always supported me, always stood behind me pursuing my dreams. She has just loved me through everything. I have two great parents; but as far as women, my mom would definitely be my hero. Cindy’s mother is not the only hero in their family. Cindy Bradley is a hero in her own right. A public-school instrumental music teacher of 19 years, she wears a cape, like so many other educators who help to develop young minds, even if she is modest about her own impact upon the lives of others. Not much gives you a dose of humility like being a teacher. Students, no matter the age, have a way of keeping us humble. [Having been a high school math teacher, I’ve been served my own share of temperance.] Cindy’s students do just that for her. The elementary aged (9 & 10 years old) band students have little to no idea that they are being taught by a jazz star. To them she is just Ms. Bradley, who nurtures them like any dedicated teacher would. She is not bothered at all by it. What’s important to Ms. Bradley is that her students have an appreciation for the art of music. “It connects us to culture.” She has no issues motivating her students. “Once they develop a Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 23
Feature “It’s a male-dominated industry, so for a woman to be a part of it, to break into it, to be taken seriously, to be treated with respect, all of those things are an extra challenge. . . Sometimes you may be the best at what you do but you may not be treated as such.” Cindy Bradley little confidence, it’s not difficult to tap into their full potential.” She also teaches as a clinician at formal jazz workshops. Nineteen years in the classroom develops character such that you rarely meet a stranger. Everyone is treated fairly and with respect. That is just how the interview went. She was kind, attentive and very down to earth. Everybody loves Ms. Bradley. [Even me!] Cindy Bradley’s discography, from the title of each CD, including the songs on each, to the cover art thereon, depicts an evolving of the artist. However, just as she evolved as a powerhouse jazz trumpeter, she also evolved in her womanhood. In a male-dominated jazz music industry, Cindy Bradley, like women in many other industries, overcame challenges related to being a woman. She was not hesitant to open up about it. “It’s a male-dominated industry, so for a woman to be a part of it, to break into it, to be taken seriously, to be treated with respect, all of those things are an extra challenge. . . . Sometimes you may be the best at what you do but you may not be treated as such.” “You may not be chosen for something you auditioned for.” “I think you have to really develop a thick skin, have full confidence in yourself and push through those challenges. But it’s easier said than done.” “I have always been a pretty sensitive person and I’ve had my own challenges trying to climb up that ladder.” “When I moved to the New York City area, I would go to jam sessions and put my name on the list to sit in and they would skip over my name and not let me play.” “I’ve auditioned for tours, when I was a sideman, and been chosen based on the audition and then told a couple of days later “we changed our mind because the leader of the group said women don’t play hard enough; we’re going with someone else.” Cindy also struggled to get a re24| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Feature record deal for a very long time. She continued to work hard and grind for what she knew she was worthy of. When she finally landed a deal with Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records, after even they had turned her down before, she found a home where she could grow as an artist. They believed in her and invested in her when others would not. Her initial deal with them was a 5 CD deal. Full of gratitude for finding a good fit, she recently re-signed with them and considers Les Cutmore and Jeff Lunt to be family. A native of Buffalo, New York, Cindy picked up the trumpet in the fourth grade. A learned trumpeter with formal studies, she obtained her degree in Jazz Studies & Music Education from Ithaca College, and has her Masters in Jazz Trumpet Performance from the New England Conservatory, which is home to many jazz giants. She credits her teachers and other jazz greats, such as John McNeil, Bob Brookmeyer, Jerry Bergonzi, George Russell, Steve Lacey & others for influencing her musically. Ever the student, she also has a Masters in Educational Leadership. [Guess who else has three degrees? You got it – ME! B.S., M.S., J.D.] Very few things impress me like a beautiful brain. I knew I’d like her when she called me Giget in a tone that you’d use with an old friend. Cindy Bradley has beauty, brains and a magnetic personality. You can hear her smile through the tone of her voice. Her music style is influenced by her deep studies of hard bop trumpet players, who were mostly men. Yet she has great admiration for the late Clora Bryant, who is noted as the only female trumpeter who played with Dizzy Gillespie. Asked how she developed her signature sound and Cindy attributed “who I listened to growing up, throughout my development, who I tried to emulate, and who I Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 25
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studied from age 12 playing in Big Bands, in college with Hard Bop, those who I studied in depth, their influence.” Other things go into that Cindy Bradley signature sound such as breath control, use of vibrato, speed, and the quality of equipment, the depth of the mouthpiece. She prefers a heavy trumpet, as a heavier instrument tends to be more mellow. “The way that you articulate notes. I can agonize over a phrase to get the phrase perfected on how it is articulated.” “The trumpet is one of the most physical instruments to be able to play. There is a lot of daily exercise and maintenance that you have to do to be able to get your lips to vibrate and respond in the way that you need.” “If I take two days off from playing, I physically cannot play it on the third day.” “Some players joke that we’re small muscle athletes because it is that demanding.” Cindy follows a strict regimen – warm up, warm down, and she doesn’t play much at soundcheck, or her lips will start to swell. “You can’t play really loud or really hard for a certain amount of time or your lips won’t vibrate and won’t produce the sound. There’s a delicate balance of not overdoing it but also putting enough work into it so that the instrument works.” “Sometimes it’s a real love-hate relationship that I have with the instrument. And I’m often jealous of people that play something else. But I do just love the sound of it. On a good day, I love it. 26| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Feature Cindy’s Discography is made of music exhibiting “exactly what I was thinking of and feeling when I made these CDs and named these projects and a lot of the song titles as well.” “Bloom”, her second CD, was released in 2009. “I had worked so hard to get a record deal. I contacted every jazz record label multiple times for years and was constantly told no and finally got signed. I got to work with a great producer. All the things I worked hard for were coming true. I was on Cloud 9.” Finally, she was blooming. “Unscripted”, which was released in 2011, is “one that I am extra proud of.” It was recorded during a time when she came to realize that there is NO SCRIPT IN LIFE. There are ups and downs and she was experiencing a very big down. “Things were out of my control.” Her mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney cancer during this time. “I was devastated. I thought I was going to lose her. She’s my best friend in the world; both of my parents are. She’s cancer-free to this day. She’s healthy. She’s amazing.” “It tells the story in the CD. Footprints. The Interludes. It was a therapeutic release from what I was going through.” “At that time I was working as a teacher, touring, writing music, producing the CD. I went completely unscripted. I wrote and played what I felt at the time.” [I understand her pain all too well having lost my Dad, one-half of my best friend pair in my parents, to cancer in 2010. I started writing a book about my Dad as my therapeutic release. I also started other books to clear my emotional baggage.] In 2013, she released “Bliss”. Life at the time was “exactly like it sounds.” She experienced multiple firsts – got married, bought her first house. Life continued to happen. Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 27
Feature In 2017, she released “Natural” at a time in her life when she was very settled, exploring self, creativity, writing more. “It was a lot of fun to make; I worked with so many different producers.” In 2019, Cindy Bradley released “The Little Things”. It was given the title at a time when she had learned to really appreciate the little things in life. An avid animal lover, one of her little dogs is on the back of the CD cover. After divorce from her first husband, she met the love of her life, her now husband, who is a full-time musician. She learned not to settle. “You can be happy by yourself or happy if you find the right person. I finally met the right person.” “I appreciate the little things, like being off together at the same time, watching Netflix, going out to dinner.” [As for me, I’m still on the search for the love of my life, as I didn’t get so lucky the second time around. But I’m happy, with myself, and by myself.] If you take a look at the cover of “The Little Things” CD, you’ll see that Cindy has a custommade pink trumpet with a raised heartshaped bell. Her favorite trumpet maker Andy Taylor of Taylor Trumpets in the U.K. allowed her to design this beauty. The raised bell is a nod to Dizzy Gillespie. That hot pink trumpet is not to be confused as one of “the little things” in her life. “No! It’s not a little thing. It’s a BIG THING!” I didn’t ask, but I am curious, about the cost. Whatever it is, it is worth every penny because you can hear joy exuding when she speaks of it. 28| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Sep/Oct
Feature It’s the vessel that Cindy uses to spread positivity and kindness through her music, which is beautiful and fulfilling, not just to her but also to her fans. You’re going to want to add the entire Cindy Bradley Discography to your music playlist. Witness her evolution through the music and the photo progression on the CD covers. Turn the playlist on and let it play, over and over and over again. You’ll understand why I’m so smitten. She’s six songs into her next project. We’re waiting in anticipation for its release. In the meantime, you may catch her on tour with her good friend and saxophonist Paula Atherton. Cindy Bradley is the poster child for the independent, hardworking, success-driven woman. She makes me proud. She’s a reminder to keep pushing for all that you’re working towards. Go listen to her CDs and let her motivate you too!
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By: Sheila E. Ross SJM: You are originally from Fresno, CA. ics that have strong meanings, and and describe your music as soul jazz. beautiful chords and melodies. Norman Can you tell us more about this? Brown is the one that inspired me to Jeanette: At a point early in my career want to be a performer when my parents took me to see him for my very when I begin to share the stage with first concert at The Bastille in Hanford, American singer-songwriters such as Babyface, Kem and Phil Perry, I had a CA. He gave me chills!" After crossing realization moment learning that my paths with Brown on the road, Jeanette sound includes both jazz and soul, (not co-wrote a song with him that became just smooth jazz) as these artists con- the title track of her fourth CD, Saxified. Brown recorded the song on his Gramfirmed for me repeatedly that my my nominated CD, 24/7, with a differsound crosses over to a soul sound. This was certainly evident during the ent title, "The Best is Yet to Come" fea"To shows I performed when the audienc- turing Gerald Albright. meles responded with standing ovations. have Gerald playing a ody that I wrote is so SJM: Who are the artist that influenced amazing," you early in your career? SJM: According to Jeanette: As I share in my bio, there your bio, you play are three--Richard Elliott, Steve Wonboth the saxoder and Norman Brown. With Elliott, phone and ‘“brought some serious R&B groove at piano profesa time when smooth jazz really needed sionally. more of that funk vibe, especially his What other song 'Corner Pocket.' I just loved his instruments production! Stevie Wonder’s music do you touches the hearts of people with lyrplay? Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 33
Feature Jeanette: I play the flute and I actually play on some of my own music. I play the piano also. On flute, I do not consider myself an Althea Rene or a Kim Scott, but I do play flute on a number of my songs. SJM: Do you believe at some point in your show you your performances to playing the flute or the piano audience?
will extend for the
Jeanette: Yes, we are always looking to improve the show in different ways. I sincerely believe the audience would be thrilled to see me hop over to the piano and play, but most definitely, I will soon begin to include the flute in my performances. SJM: From reading your bio, you come from a warm, spiritual family. I understand your father was a church organist. Can you tell us more about his musical background? Jeanette: In addition to playing organist at our church, dad was a tuba player in the marching band and in his Alumni band. My family pondered over which instrument I would eventually play. Though my dad gave me a guitar to play early on, the saxophone would became the instrument of choice for me. This occurred when my mother and I would listen to music in the car while riding, and Grover Washington, Jr. would come on. Between the sound of his music and the appearance of his album cover came the inspiration for me to play the saxophone. SJM: Your brother Michael is among those that joined you at the start of your music career under J&M records. Can you tell us more about this? How is your brother doing? Jeanette: My brother is doing very well. He has helped me tremendously through34| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Feature out my career. Michael functions as a true professional. Over these years, he has helped me with song production, playing the drums and the percussion instruments. In my opinion, my brother is top-notch on percussion and I always want him to play instead of others. He is also an entrepreneur working his own business. My whole family is entrepreneur oriented and always has been. My brother functions in many capacities. He even helps me out with opinions on wardrobe and make-up choices! SJM: Not many artist can speak to owning his or her own record label. Is this how you were all able to start a family record label? Jeanette: Yes, so when it was time for me to proalbum, we selected a producer to work with, but ence did not turn out as well as we had liked it to, just said, “why don’t we just start our own busifamily members are all entrepreneur oriented.
duce my first that experiso my mom ness”. My
SJM: What was your most fascinating experience in working with Tena Marie? Jeanette: This came with me taking Pamela Williams place. Tena Marie needed a saxophone player in a rush. She contacted me through an associate of mine. The opportunity to audition for her went well and to my surprise, she really enjoyed my flute playing skills as well! SJM: How did you manage when the pandemic first began? Did you draw closer to family? Jeanette: When Covid came, I wanted everyone to feel better so I did indeed draw close to family, but just as important, I wanted everyone to feel better so my way of making that happen started on Facebook with a weekly performance for my audience. This eventually grew into a YouTube channel and my audience Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 35
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Still responds well today. My subscribership went from 3000 to 13,000. Please join me on Wednesday evenings for my YouTube show. SJM: I understand you have at least two different perfumes. How can we purchase them? Jeanette: Yes, we have the perfume. This is a part of our band always wanting to do something unique and different for our audience. You can go to Jeanetteharrissband.com to get information on the perfumes and place orders. SJM: Where does Jeanette Harris go from here? Jeanette: Finish my new album project for 2022, which I am currently working on and focusing more on performing quality shows for the audience. I do not put an album out every year like some artist do. I have never been like that. In addition, I am not interested in merely performing, instead I wish to develop quality shows and not just take any offer that comes along our way. 36| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festival By: Mia Howard I had the pleasure of attending the closing weekend of the Berk’s Jazz fest 2021 in Reading, PA. The festival is presented by the Berk’s Arts. The Berk’s Art’s mission is to engage, inspire and unite the community through arts education. This was my first time attending, (last year would have been my first time but it was cancelled due to covid) but it will definitely not be my last. If you are a fan of jazz music, the Berk’s is a must for you. The biggest names in jazz and R&B perform at this festival. This year’s lineup included Brian Bromberg, Marcus Anderson, Nelson Rangell, Bobby Lyle, Gerald Veasley, Maysa Leakes, Kim Waters, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Jonathan Butler, Nick Colionne, Gerald Alright and many more. The moment I arrived at the beautiful Hilton Doubletree in Reading, PA, I was greeted by the smooth sounds of radio personality Ken “Spider” Webb. Not only did the music greet me, but the legend himself came from behind the turntable to personally welcome me to the festival. He let me know how to navigate during the weekend to get the most out of the festival. He was also excited to show me the amazing picture his talented granddaughter had drawn of him. Every show I attended had stellar performances. The artists not only play with skill, but they interact and connect with the audience. Even performances in the Grand ballroom at the Doubletree or the Scottish Rites Cathedral, the artists made the venue seem intimate. If I were to recap my entire weekend at the Berk’s, I could Sep/Oct
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Festival fill the entire magazine and still have more to write, so I will give highlights of a few of my favorite moments. The first is the Stevie Wonder Tribute put together by Chris “Big Dog” Davis. Chris brought out some heavy hitters to perform many classics by Stevie Wonder. Glenn Jones performance of “Signed, Sealed, Photos By: Ron Hancox Delivered,” had the audience grooving. The godfather of jazz Nick Colionne, brought the house down with his fiery version of “Higher Ground.” The melodic voice of Maysa Leakes brought forth a moving rendition of “These Three Words” accompanied by her backup singers and Chris Davis making the keyboard sound like Stevie Wonder on harmonica. This tribute was extra special because joining Chris Davis on stage was all 4 of his beautiful daughters (who were dressed in glamourous African attire) and his granddaughter who was celebrating her birthday. the entire audience sung “Happy Birthday” to the little princess. It meant a lot have his family there because Chris just went through a cancer scare. It was a blessing for his family to be there at his first major performance since he entered remission. Chris had another concert Saturday evening which featured one of my favorite artists from the nineties; Allyson Williams. She still sounds and looks amazing. Allyson and Kim Photos By: Ron Hancox Waters partnered for a Latin infused version of George Gershwin’s “Summertime”. Maysa Leakes sung her recorded version of Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” and she joined Chris “Big Dog” Davis on the title track of his CD “Focus.” Marcus Anderson set the stage on fire with his song “Hero” I can’t forget the fun and cool performance of “How Sweet It Is” by Nick Colionne. 40| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festival If you go to the Berk’s, it is a must to attend at least one of Gerald Veasley’s midnight jams. You get to jam with the artists up close and personal. You don’t know who you might hear perform or let’s just say jam. I am not sure how the artists keep up the energy after performing all day, but I am glad they did. To hear Brian Bromberg, Gerald Veasley, Bobby Lyle, Ragan Whiteside, Jazmin Ghent, Eric Darius and many others performing improv style was a treat. Saturday night before attending the Chris “Big Dog” Davis concert, I had the pleasure of attending the Marcus Miller concert featuring David Sanborn and Jonathan Butler. Those who know anything about jazz, knows that each of the previous named performers can bring a house down by themselves, so can you imagine what it was like to see all three perform together? Marcus Miller opened the show with some serious bass. Then he invited the incomparable David Sanborn to join him. The reverence that was bestowed on David from Marcus was heartwarming. David Sanborn had not performed live in a while but he came out for his friend Marcus. They played a couple of songs together then David left the stage. Then singer/musician Jonathan Butler joined Marcus on stage. These two were electrifying together. As Marcus and Jonathan were playing their last song, David Sanborn surprised everyone including Marcus Miller by joining Marcus and Jonathan Butler on stage. It is needless to say this performance ended with a standing ovation from the audience. 42| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Festival My biggest highlight was meeting Photos By: Ron Hancox bassist extraordinaire Brian Bromberg. I absolutely love his music (I am a self-proclaimed bass head). I had the blessing of doing a phone interview with him in April 2021. On the phone he was such a great spirit so I could not wait to meet him in person. He was just as kind in person. I felt honored that he would take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to speak with me. Brian is a Berk’s Jazz fest staple. I believe during the course of the ten-day festival, Brian may have headlined or participated in 15-20 performances. He also had to attend rehearsals, entertain his in-laws, find time to sleep and eat. I caught up with him after his “Brian Bromberg’s Unapologetically Funky Big Bombastic Band Brunch.” The Grand ballroom at the Doubletree was turned into a dining venue with tables facing the stage. The performances by the band featuring Brian Bromberg, Everette Harp, Ray Fuller, Tony Moore, Tom Zink, Andrew Neu, Craig Fundyga and the Berk’s Horns were just like the title suggests, funky. Even after such a intense performance (over 90 minutes) Brian still had a jovial demeanor. In his all-black attire and his bass strapped to his back, he walked over to me and greeted me with the biggest hug. I asked him how he was able to keep up with his schedule and still perform at a high level? He answered, “I don’t know.” We both laughed at his answer and I told him he has to find time to rest. He promised me he would rest when he got back to California. Although Brian was Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 43
Festival Photo By: Ron Hancox
was running late for a date with his wife and in-laws, he still took time to sign autographs for all of his admiring fans. I really had an amazing time at the Boscov’s Berk’s Jazz Festival. I am already planning to attend in 2022. I have to give special thanks to DL Media, John Ernesto and Art Jackson for making it possible for me to have all access to this great festival.
Stevie Wonder Tribute
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Festival Photos By: Bobby Roebuck
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Festival Photos By: Ronald Parker
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Feature CD Reviews
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Festival Photos By: Chanelle Harris
ERYKA BADU
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DAVID SANBORN
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RICK BRAUN
Raheem Devaughn Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 73
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Will Downing 74| SmoothJazz Magazine
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Peabo Bryson
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New CD Releases 2021
Relief “the jazz foundation of america's musicians emergency fund” 11.12.21 BUY
Hiromi “Silver Lining Suite” 10.08.21 BUY
Arturo O’Farrill “Dreaming In Lions” 09.24.21 BUY
Chris Standring “Wonderful World” 09.24.21 BUY
Vincent Ingala “Fire and Desire” 09.17.21 BUY
BUY
Terence Blanchard E Collective Yola BandNash Turtle“Touched Island QuarBy tet “Absence” 08.27.21 Love” 8/26/20
Esperanza Spalding “Songwrights Apothecary Lab” 09.24.21 BUY
Joey Defrancesco “More Music” 09.24.21 BUY
Peter Kater “Rapture” 06.04.21 BUY
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CD Reviews By: Mia Howard
Veteran Composer/ Producer/Music Director/ Keyboardist Dan Siegel is back with new music. He has used his time in isolation due to the pandemic well. Dan Siegel has brought together some of the most prolific musicians to produce music that will take you to a faraway place. The new and highly anticipated CD is set to release in early August 2021. On this CD you will hear Dan Siegel on Piano, Brian Bromberg on Acoustic Bass, Abraham Laboriel and Dwayne Smith on Electric Bass, Steve Gadd on Drums, Eric Marienthal on Saxophone, Lee Thornburg on Trumpet/Trombone and many other musicians who have lent their extraordinary talents to this musical work of art. Producing music during the pandemic was not easy because of social distancing. Dan had each musician send him their part, after they heard the demos that were developed by drummers Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta. Then he had to piece all the parts together to make each song sound like the musicians were in the studio together. All of the hard work has turn out a great CD. “Faraway Place” takes the listener on a musical journey, beyond one particular genre, into a musical universe. Starting with the soulful “Old School”. “Old School” is a retro cut that has slick piano rifts accompanied by a stellar horn section. The cut “Tried and True” has that soft rock feel. It is a polar opposite of “Old School.” “Tried and True” is for easy listening on the road or relaxing. One of my favorites is “Curves Ahead”. “Curves Ahead” makes you want to dance. The groove on this cut makes your head bop and your feet tap. If you want to lose some of the quarantine pounds, put on “Curves Ahead and just let your body go where the beat takes you. If you want to feel an air of hope, “Looking Up” is the song for you. It Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 81
CD Reviews has an infectious melody which takes your mind off of the pandemic. One of the most unique cuts on this CD is “Some Time Ago”. Dan Siegel has always been an innovator and risk taker when it comes to his music, but he has really stepped out of the box on “Some Time Ago” He has paired an accordion with a hymn choir. This cut is for those who appreciate creativity in music, not just what is popular or common. The stand out cut for me is “Your Smile” featuring Drummer/Vocalist Rogerio Jardim this has more of an orchestra feel to it, meshing classical with jazz seamlessly. For the true jazz heads “Bluebird” and “Once Again” are just for you. These cuts have jaunty piano rifts and smooth percussion. All eleven cuts on this musical work of art has something special, a je ne sais quoi, that keeps you hitting the repeat button. If you are ready for a CD that will take you to a faraway place, away from the pandemic blues? Then pick up a copy of Dan Siegel’s “Faraway Place” available August 13, 2021.
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CD Reviews By: Theresa Payne Tony Saunders new album, "All About Love," is a playlist of 14 songs, several remakes and teamed up with production on 4 tracks with fellow “Jazz In Pink” founder Gail Jhonson to provide some cool smooth jazzy hooks as she slightly tickles the keys. Personally, I like remakes, and when a artist can capture the essence of the song and make it his own, then I can play it on repeat all day long. Tony does this for me on H.E.R. “Best Part” as his base playing is subtle but carries the melody perfectly. The aptly title CD was created during the pandemic with songs of love ‘Forever Yours,’ ‘The Look of Love,’ “Celebrate You,” “That Beautiful Lady,” “Summertime Love,” which the world truly needed more now more than ever. “Just Between Us” co written with Marcia Miget; as the bass and flute dances together making for a sexy romantic duet. “That Beautiful Lady” is a song that will defiantly sweep any partner off their feet. A nicely flowing melody fill with warmth with a hit of sax as Tony’s bass and the sax hook plays off of each other. With one of the all time classic, you can go wrong with a Burt Bacharach song, “The Look of Love.” For me there was just enough of remakes to provide some familiarity, and new songs to fall in love with. Tony mission accomplished. Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 83
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CD Reviews By: Mina Kim Since the onset of the pandemic we have all faced our share of uncertain times and unfortunately some rather heartbreaking ones. When I learned that all the foreseeable shows, concerts, festivals and cruises were canceled until further notice I along with the innumerable jazz enthusiasts around the globe wept with heartache and the uncertainty as to when the music and the music makers we love would return. But what no one saw coming was the unprecedented level of determination that these musicians drew upon to ensure that, until it was show-time again they would flavor the airwaves with brilliant, outstanding music; music that carries with it rhythmic and uplifting melodies that will not disappoint. One such artist is Brian Simpson. His latest album, “All That Matters,” is unabashedly honest and overflowing with delicious rhythms, such as in “Sunlit Sea,” “What I’m Waiting For,” and “Whisper To Me.” This album is all the more stunning with the inclusion of such great artists as Steve Oliver, Nicholas Cole, as well as the incomparable Najee. Perhaps then a silver lining to the pandemic – within the Jazz community – has been to see beyond the disappointment while focusing on collaboration, true musical expression, and artistic inclusion. Brian Simpson’s genius in “All That Matters” has been well worth the wait. Sep /Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 85
CD Reviews Track 6. Little Rascals – Slower than the other songs. A restaurant song. Perfect for enjoying a meal over a family buffet. You have driven many miles and finally must stop for sustenance in a little unknown town, but there’s food, albeit buffet style and you must fix your own plate. Track 7. Family Reunion – Perfect music for pulling up to the local park to meet family and friends. A happy go lucky song. A family of musicians would bring their instruments with each getting their time to shine on this song. Track 8. Engine 71 – All engines are revved up. This track could be the Finale. But it isn’t because after this we’re brought back down from the highest of energies on this album. Perhaps this is done to prevent heart attack on the side of the road. Track 9. Your Side of Town – Fun loving. As if you’re falling for someone, this song is a much-needed reprieve from the high energy of the other songs. A reminder that at the end of the day, when the man is done playing with his toys, he is coming back home. Hanging up his ego with his keys, he flips the switch and the gentleman reappears. Ladies, he didn’t forget about us.
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CD Reviews By: Gretchen Law
The prolific guitarist, Marc Antoine, has released a new CD, Something About Her, his second recording through Shanachie Records. The “Her” is his wife, Rebeca, of 25 years. The album honors this milestone anniversary. On the cover of this truly lovely CD is a photo of Marc Antoine sitting low with his beautiful hands draped around the neck and body of his guitar. His warm smile is directed straight at us as is his music. He has nothing to hide. His sound is technically astute and emotionally clear. He knows what it means to be at home and to love, personally and musically. In fact they are one in the same. His passions are inseparable He is a whole entity as is each of his healing pieces. This man is sane and seasoned and very proficient in his craft. He lands beautifully every time every time after coaxing you through a song poised to intoxicate and to heal. Deprived of the normalcy of the life of a successful and dedicated, working musician, Marc retreated to his California studio during the height of the pandemic to work on this new CD. He is Parisian born and works and lives between his home in Spain (Rebeca is Spanish) and his home and studio in Laguna Beach. This album is touched with breezy elegance as he effortlessly fuses R and B, jazz, Latin and classical notes. He has worked with Sting, Cher, Marion Meadows, Rick Braun and David Koz. Other albums include Gypsy (1995), Madrid (1998), Universal Language (2000), Cruisin’ (2001), Mediterraneano (2003) and Modern Times (2005), Foreign Exchange with Paul Brown (2008), My Classical Way (2010) and Guitar Destiny (2012). Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 87
CD Reviews Heart surgery in 2012 and surgery for an extremely painful hand condition in 2014 only seemed to propel him toward deeper gratitude for his life and loves. He recovered and went on to release Laguna Beach in 2016 and in 2017 he collaborated with David Benoit on, So Nice. Among his celebrity friends and collaborators are keyboardists David Benoit, Brian Simpson, and Philippe Saisse and saxophonists Marion Meadows and Greg Vail. “We are all good friends and everybody is magical in their right yet easy to metabolize, reaching all own way,” he says. Apparently Antoine of the senses like some kind of exotic not only stays in love with his wife, he tonic. The last song on the album is, A stays in love with his friends and fellow Song for Sasha, written for the grand musicians, as well. “It’s all about the daughter he had yet to meet due to the voyage for me. I hope I can take listeners pandemic, at least at the time of the alalong with me to enjoy the voyage,” bum’s release. Its melodic message of states Aninnocence and adoration strike at the toine. He heart like a sacred hymn. Take a deep wants to. breath. This music has enough notes to “Take us on supply an entire internal landscape — a journey,” retreat and heal. No expectations. Marc in this alAntoine reminds us that the world as we bum. Where knew it is still intact at its core and that do we go? we are tied to its true pleasures and to This is a each other through a web of cultures man who and experiences which he magnifies in believes his tender work. The music is emotional, that things exquisitely skill filled and somehow very happen for a safe. It’s been a tough stretch. Thank reason. Every song is part of a sort of you, Marc, for taking the journey with magical story. Each is poignant in its own us. 88| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Sep/Oct
2019 - 2021
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