Mindi Abair May June 2022

New CDs: Jeanette Harris * Gerald Albright and more...

May / Jun 2022

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MAGAZINE

Black Carpet Red Carpet Winners

J3: Ju JaJa

Berks Jazz Festival Jessy Norman

Brow

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33 J3 Debut CD The New Kids in Jazz 37 Mindi Abair - New CD Forever Conversation

Jazz Notes 08 GRAMMY and NEA Winners: Bonnie Raitt & Stanley Clarke Awards

Festival 44 Berks Jazz - In Photos

Lifestyle Nick Colionne, Chuck Loeb 10 Art Photography Exhibit Women in Jazz In Photos Featuring Bobby Roebuck Jazz 16 GRAMMYs ReCap 64th 76 InSeabreeze Photos Inaugural Black Music Collective Jon Batiste, Lady Gaga, Red Carpet

Concert 91 Norman Brown www.smoothjazzmag.com

CD Reviews 88 Jessy J - Blue CD Releases

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May / June 2022

Web: www.smoothjazzmag.com

Art Jackson - Publisher/CEO Dr. Ahava Talon - Editor in Chief Doris Gee - Research Manager Mann - Graphic Artist Manager

Contributing Writers Melissa Berry

Los Angeles

Mina Kim

St. Petersburg

BERKS JAZZ FESTIVAL

Rhonda Kilpatrick San Diego

Contributing Photographers Rod Morant

Baltimore

Ron Hancox

Hartford

Mann

Los Angeles

Rhonda Kilpatrick San Diego Bobby Roebuck

Winston-Salem

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written consent from the publisher.

Copyright @ 2022 Smooth Jazz Magazine All Rights Reserved.

The week of April 30, 2022 What You Do To Me Nick Colionne

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Shadow Dancer Vincent Ingala

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Let It Flow Ryan La Valette

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Gotta Get Up Adam Hawley

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Keep It Comin’ Paula Atherton

@smoothjazzmag

www.smoothjazzmag.com

Note

Kirk Whalum Receives the USCT Humanitarian Award

GRAMMY® Celebrate Bonnie Raitt for receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award Singer, songwriter and guitarist whose unique style blends blues, R&B, rock, and pop. After 20 years as a cult favorite, she broke through to the top in the early '90s with her GRAMMY Award-winning albums Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw. Raitt's widely acclaimed 2012 independent release Slipstream was one of the topselling independent albums, and earned Raitt her 10th GRAMMY Award (Best Americana Album). In 2016 Raitt released her GRAMMYnominated album Dig In Deep and in 2022 will be releasing her 21st studio album, Just Like That…, the third release on her label Redwing Records.

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Note Stanley Clarke’s bass-playing, showing exceptional skill on both acoustic and electric bass, has made him one of the most influential players in modern jazz history. In addition to his solo career, Clarke, as a founding member of the legendary jazz rock fusion band Return to Forever, has helped redefine the sound of jazz over the last 50 years. Return to Forever—Clarke with fellow seminal members Chick Corea, Lenny White, and Al Di Meola—would become one of the most popular jazz bands of its day, pulling fans from the rock world to achieve commercial success. As part of his strong belief in giving back, he also established the Stanley Clarke Foundation, a charitable organization which awards scholarships to talented young musicians each year.

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Lifestyle

April 9—May * 2022

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Lifestyle Feature April is Jazz Appreciation Month; both Jazz and Blues originated in the deep south around the end of the 19th century.

Bobby Roebuck primarily is a Jazz Photographer, with a unique artistic vision. He is a creative photographer striving to capture the essence of the moments to be etched in memories for a lifetime. Bobby taps into his natural talent as a visual artist and utilizes his ability to manipulate light to bring out the true beauty in his subject matter. He shoots jazz concerts and is always fascinated with the dynamic musicians’ ability to bring sweet melodies to the listener’s ears. Bobby becomes energized along the photographer’s pit as he catches each expression of the performers and maneuvers in the right position to secure the unbelievable expressions demonstrated in each face.

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Lifestyle Eight of Bobby’s photographs are on exhibit at SECCA-Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, in Winston-Salem, NC, highlighting all female jazz musicians, in celebration of Aprils Jazz Appreciation Month and on the end of March, Women’s History Month. The exhibit is called “The High Heels of Jazz”. Flutist, Althea Rene, Saxophonist, Jazmin Ghent, Saxophonist, Jeanette Harris, Guartrist, Andrea Lisa, Saxophonist, Mindi Abair, Violinist, Chelsea Greene, Saxophonist, Lakecia Benjamin, Flutist, Kim Scott.

Nearly 50 people attended the opening reception, Saturday, April 9, 2022 with excitement and energy while viewing the exhibition. Mentor, friend and artist, Jerry Haynes, was quoted saying “Bobby’s art is an expression of himself by bringing out the heart and soul of the artist. He described Bobby as a Renaissance Man meaning he goes the extra mile to make sure the viewer feels the energy of the musician on stage”.

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Grammys’ Inaugural Black Music Collective Black Carpet Event

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Grammys Honored John Legend with the first Global Impact Award Co-President Valeisha Butterfield Jones

Tiffany Haddish

Jason Lee CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

JasmineSanders, Sanders,DJ DJMillie, Millie,Symphani SymphaniSoto Soto Jasmine

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The Best Album of The Year!

“We Are” A notable accomplishment for two reasons.

Jon Batiste is the first Black Winner in this category as well as being a jazz focus album since 2008.

The 35 year old New Orleans native is also the music director for the Late Show With Stephen Colbert. On the night a total of 5 Grammys to round out the evening beating out fellow Jazz artists Tony Bennett with his duo partner Lady Gaga. Jon won Best Music Video for “Freedom,” his song “Cry” and his work his song “Cry,” the video for “Freedom” and his work on the soundtrack for “Soul.” Jon worked on Soul for over 2 years, which goes to show you, good things can come to those who wait.

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Feature By: Mina Kim

When I first heard the music of J3 I immediately thought I was hearing the soulful collaboration of seasoned musicians, well learned and rehearsed, and with the kind of familiarity that comes from years of touring, and studio sessions and innumerable late night conversations. What I discovered was, in fact, something entirely different.

What I found were three beautiful old souls embodied in youthful exuberance and creativity, with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for Jazz. J3 is actually Justin Lee Schultz, Jaden Baker and Jamie Leigh Schultz ages 15, 16 and 18 respectively.

The more I learned about J3 the more enthralled I became. I visited with them via Zoom to find out more. They are multi-instrumentalists who all began playing music at age 5. However, when you give their latest release, Opus 1, a listen you will not only hear 10 years of practice but extraordinary May/Jun Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 33

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talent in each of them. Their influences, not surprisingly, consist of Chick Corea, John Jarvis, Bob James, Sheila E, and Derrick Hodge and Quincy Jones, to name a few. These influences can be heard in one of their more poignant ballads, Justice composed by Jaden, and inspired from one of the great works “Message Of Hope” by Derrick Hodge. Both sporting a mischievous grin, Justin and Jaden describe the song as having a storytelling quality with a film score ending. This is evident in Jaden's masterful skills as a composer; it is up to the listener to decide whether or not justice was ever served.

What also is afforded in their youth is an eagerness to explore the genre of Jazz, both past and present. They are unafraid to take chances on the classics, bringing flair and innovation to standards of seemingly forgotten tunes, reinventing them for a modern world while still respecting the original character of Jazz. Their work is so concise the listener can visualize each member on their instrument. This is especially evident with Jamie Leigh at the drums. So precise in her execution she lays the foundation for what embodies J3.

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Festival Feature What I found so refreshing about these remarkable young people is their determination of complete inclusivity in each other. This is widely evident throughout the 11 track album. and my consistent take away from start to For the tradi-

tionalist: Got A Match. If you are a modern enthusiast: Vibe Cleanse, the crossover marriage of Hip Hop and Jazz. Any listener will be captivated by converging styles of every form of Jazz artfully produced in this treasured collection. Indeed the future of Jazz is here and it is in great hands.

Dave Koz

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Feature By: Melissa Berry

GRAMMY MUSEUM IN-PERSON

Saxophonist/vocalist Mindi Abair discussed her new album & During a recent evening at the Grammy incredible career working with Museum's Clive Davie Theatre, Mindi Abair more than exemplified title of her newly released CD "Forever." This Aerosmith, Gregg the Allman, evening then a conversation SmokeyandRobinson, and later more,in the week provided a multi-faceted view of Ms. 100% commitment to all she does - whether creating mufollowed byAbair's a performance. sic, supporting Women's History Month, or encouraging Music Education in our schools. And lastly, her invitation for all of us to relax with her and her husband Eric at WINE and JAZZ.com, their lifestyle company that combines what else? Wine, Jazz, and musical adventures in various locations.

Although the purpose of the evening was to celebrate Ms. Abair's first release of new material in nearly two years, the evening also brought out some facts that are clearly supporting details in Ms. Abair's career. Ms. Abair's ability as a skilled raconteur made the stories

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that are clearly supporting details in Ms. Abair's career. Ms. Abair's ability as a skilled raconteur made the stories surprising and mesmerizing. "I've lived so much life since my last solo album "Wild Heart." That album gave me my first GRAMMY nomination, and it was a coming together of forces that changed my life."

With Women's History Month coming to an end, Ms. Abair recalled being "the only girl" in a field that used to be primarily "guys" - including in school.

After studying a year at the University of North Florida on a full scholarship, she transferred to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating magna cum laude in 1991. As Ms. Abair mentioned that evening, "At that time Berklee's student body was only 3% female - it is now 43%."

Recognizing that music education should be for all genders in all schools, Ms. Abair has continued her involvement in education while successfully pursuing her career that involves all aspects of performance. In 2009, Abair was elected as a Governor on the Board of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, serving for three years until 2012, with election to Secretary.

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Festival Feature She spent one year serving as Secretary.

In 2013, Abair spent a two-year term as the President of the Los Angeles Chapter.

Lastly, the election to a two-year term as National Trustee of the Recording Academy in 2015.

This diversity in her career has now also included navigating the pandemic lifestyle, resulting in the release of "Forever." The content of "Forever" has been in the works for a very long time. Ms. Abair's explanation covered her touring days with "Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers" and their four albums. During that time, she was constantly writing music that was more personal and melodic. Because of its introspective content, the release required waiting for just the right time. And now is the right time. As Ms. Abair revealed, "I've come back to me… a more reflective place… to make new music that represents all that I've learned along my musical journey. I hope you feel the emotion I felt recording it." evening proved they were feeling it! Marking a return to her contemporary jazz roots and released on her own Pretty Good For A Girl Records, "Forever" is a 10-Song album that features the single "Alive" and marks her 11th solo release. The musicians include Raul Malo and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, with special appearances by Steve Perry, Eric Bazilian, and Rick Braun.

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Festival Feature Some of the standouts for the evening were her sax "songs" - songs without words but notes instead. "Alive" introduced this musical lyricism opening with that simple, traditional count out from the drum setting the rhythm and then the guitar unexpectedly oozing in - and then Abair starts with her song - her voice through her sax. What is captivating is about halfway through; what sounds like a gospel choir joins in to provide an unexpected expansiveness to complete the power of the song.

Forever" opens with that teasing beat that pulls you in before hearing the melody. Then Abair joins in, and this cut takes off with its initial deceptive simplicity and slow vibrato at times. It evolves from a simple melody with a traditional bridge in the middle that goes back to the original tune. Everyone joins in being featured individually with expanding rhythms. Finally, Abair jumps right back in to take over and lead the way out. "April" is as soft and smooth and moist as April showers. Again, although a song without words…the words are there through Abair's melodic playing.

"What About Love" closed the evening by bringing the audience to their feet. Blasting open with a throbbing, relentless, inescapable, and utterly addictive beat - Abair cuts directly to the lyrics mentioning what's in our news but demanding at the end of each mention, "What about love???"

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Festival Feature An outstanding guitar solo increased the intensity of the song's message, with everyone on their feet echoing, "What about love?"

Mindi Abair provided an evening reminding us we're all alive forever as long as there's music. The Grammy Museum was lit up with her articulate yet down-to-earth, genuine spoken and musical message: "What about love?". After two long years of silence, an evening with Ms. Abair was truly a gift of providing light at the end of the musical tunnel - especially considering April is Jazz Appreciation Month.

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By: Ron Hancox

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CD Reviews Concert Festival

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Festival Feature By: Ron Hancox

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Photos By: Rod Morant

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Photos By: Ron Hancox

featuring special guests RANDY BRECKER, JOEY DEFRANCESCO, BILLY KILSON

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Photos By: Ron Hancox

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FEATURING: RICK BRAUN, GERALD ALBRIGHT, & JEFF LORBER

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Concert Review By: Rhonda Kilpatrick

The shut down had everyone stuck inside their homes and many musicians took advantage of this time to write amazing music and this is definitely true with Jessy J’s new CD “Blue”. “Blue’s” first track “Dig It” I can hear Grammy Award Winner Jeff Lorber ‘s keys and influence which sets the tone that we are about to hear something incredible. Jay Rowe‘s keys and Andy Abel‘s guitar continues to stand out throughout “Blue.” Jessy J’s Saxophone is very fluid and smooth with every note she plays, her superior talent is evident. The “Blue” CD still has Jessy J‘s signature Latina influence, Contemporary Jazz feel but has a straight-ahead edge that’s intriguing to me and keeps my attention!!! I noticed superior mixing and this CD is mastered to perfection. I totally can hear the time and effort that was taken in the making of “Blue” and makes me want more!!!

Congratulations Jessy J on this outstanding project, I simply LOVE “Blue”!

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Concert Photos By: Bobby Roebuck

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New CD Releases 2022

John Scofield “John Scofield” 05.06.22 BUY

Gerald Albright “G Stream 2 Turn it up” 04.29.22 BUY

Lani Hall and Herb Alpert “Seasons Of Love” 04.28.21 BUY

Gerald Clayton “Bells On Sand” 04.01.22 BUY

Jeanette Harris “Saxathrone” 04.15.22 BUY

Lisa Hilton “Life Is Beautiful” 04.01.22 BUY

Marqueal Jordan “All We Have Are Moments” 04.01.22 BUY

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The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble Step Down 04.01.22 BUY

Ryan La Valette “New Beginnings” 02.04.22 BUY

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