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6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Copy Editors JoAnn Armke PaulaBarbaraFitzgeraldKnoxBradSondak Contributors MarciaCashmiraMannaDarcyPeters Contributing Photographers Pat DavidBenterHopley Graphic Design Gina Mancini Smooth Jazz News 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA www.smoothjazznews.comsmoothjazznews@aol.com858-541-191992117 Smooth Jazz News is normally published seven times annually: Monthly: April and May; Bimonthly: June-July, August-September, October-November, December-January and February-March. However, due to COVAID-19, sporadic online issues will replace the print publication schedule. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or advertisers. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. ©2020, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz @SmoothJazzNewsNews/123513291125001 7 DISCover New Music What’s new and hot! 8 Notes from the Publisher Lamenting lost deadlines, while waiting to resume the rhythm of our smooth jazz life 10 Jazz Buzz Concerts and festivals go virtual during global pandemic shutdown 14 Inside the Smooth Jazz Music Industry Relationships are the key to everyone’s survival, pre-and-post COVID-19 NOTICE: Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are subject to change without notice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving government and health officials’ mandates. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations or changes or the accuracy of any concert, cruise or festival information contained in this online publication in advertisements and/or editorial, which has been provided by outside sources. Please contact each venue directly to confirm all information. 16 Book Review “Better Days Will Come Again: The Life of Arthur Briggs, Jazz Genius of Harlem, Paris and a Nazi Prison Camp” 17 Cashmira May horoscopes 18 Cool Clothing Smooth Jazz News fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts, tank tops, hats, and hoodies
AvAilAble At: iTunes, www.amazon.com, https://play.google.com/, www.apple.com/apple-music, www.spotify.com, http://tidal.com Website: www.marcusanderson.net (where autographed CDs are available)
• (IFATOBAIFATOBAMUSIC LLC) Celebrating 20 years since the release of his acclaimed debut album, Raindrops in the Sun, versatile independent saxophonist Earnest Walker Jr. gets back in the grooves big time with his highly anticipated album, whose title, IFATOBA, is as exotic, compelling and bold as the eclectic, multi-faceted music itself.
• Time Sensitive (A-Pex Recordings International) Contemporary keyboardist Al DeGregoris is back with his latest project––this time with legendary producer-composer-keyboardist Jeff Lorber at the helm! Tight, brassy and retro cool beyond any of his four previous releases, DeGregoris’ new album Time Sensitive showcases the dynamic chemistry he’s created with the fellow keyboardist and fusion legend more than ever before. The result is pure melodic magic.
Website: www.nilsmusic.com AvAilAble At: www.nilsmusic.com/shop, www.amazon.com and iTunes
EARNEST WALKER JR.
Website: www.adgjazz.com
DIGITAL-ONLY MAY/JUNE 2020 | 7
One listen and you too will be CAUGHT IN THE GROOVE!
Website:
STANDRING
CHRIS
AvAilAble
AvAilAble At: www.earnestwalkerjr.com, www.amazon.com, Apple Music, iTunes, www.spotify.com, www.cdbaby.com, and many more MARCUS ANDERSON
AvAilAble June 12, 2020 At: www.amazon.com, iTunes, www.adgjazz.com
• (AndersonHERO Music) Marcus Anderson’s 13th album, HERO, features 13 original compositions, which is the quintessential soundtrack of our lives with a common thread of inspiration, perseverance, passion and resilience. Melding a wide range of musical styles with a natural grace, HERO evokes, but never imitates, the many legendary artists that have influenced Anderson’s compositions.
Recordings) One of contemporary urban jazz’s most prolific hitmakers since the late ’90s with 13 Billboard Top 10 singles and six No. 1s, Chris Standring takes the opportunity on his 13th solo album to acknowledge the sometimes-harsh twists and turns of Real Life, offering a truly uplifting way forward on this joyful soul-jazz infused retro-flavored set. www.ChrisStandring.com At: www.amazon.com, iTunes, www.ChrisStandring.com and all online music outlets
NILS
• Life of the Party (Unlimited Heights Entertainment, Inc.) Life of the Party is the sophomore release from Prince saxophonist and Smooth Jazz Network’s 2019 Breakout Artist of the Year BK Jackson, featuring Trombone Shorty, Adam Hawley and Nicholas Cole. BK’s music has also been referred to as “young and fresh” and “exactly what the genre needs” by industry icon Dave Koz.
AvAilAble
Website: www.bkjackson.com At: iTunes, www.cdbaby.com, www.amazon.com, www.spotify.com, www.tidal.com, Apple Music
• CAUGHT IN THE GROOVE (Baja/TSR Records) Guitarist, composer and producer NILS has been happily CAUGHT IN THE GROOVE as one of smooth jazz’s premier hitmakers and producers for over 15 years. NILS complements his trademark crisp pop-soul-funk vibes with more ambient, atmospheric experimentation and deeper jazz.
• Real (UltimateLifeVibe
AL DeGREGORIS
Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com.
Website: www.earnestwalkerjr.com
BK JACKSON
early March, I received the first inquiry from an advertiser about what effect I thought COVID-19 might have on upcoming concerts and festivals.
Although I hadn’t heard anything from other advertisers, my reply to the Germany-based advertiser was, “I’m concerned about the virus.
20 years of on-time publication interrupted by COVID-19 I wore a mask and gloves when I went to the doctor recently.”
Then added to my March 3 email to him, “But, I’m not sure what I will do at the festivals,” referring specifically to the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest and Seabreeze Jazz Festival, where we were scheduled to have booths in late March and April, respectively.
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“How are the big events such as Seabreeze and Berks dealing with the coronavirus?” asked Christian Bössner, producer of the Mallorca and Algarve smooth jazz festivals, via email. “Is it a big problem? I’m wondering if I should skip the April issue?”
So, I resumed working on the April issue, which was to feature Boney James, a revival of our “Inside the Music Industry” column, “Jazz Buzz,” a travel piece on the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, a fivepage calendar of events, DISCover New Music, a book review, Images of the April issue that never went to press. We’re reserving this cover story for when we resume publication of the print magazine.
PublisherMelanieSincerely,Maxwellandfounder, Smooth Jazz News
And, instead of artists and musicians wheeling through the States on tour buses or jetting off to their next gig, they set up cameras in their living rooms and home studios and began offering live shows on Facebook and other online platforms.
Things quickly erupted later that night when the World Health Organization declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. Suddenly, concerts, festivals and cruises started canceling or postponing. First, the 30th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, then the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, followed by just about every event listed in our calendar section. Only a few advertisers canceled, but I encouraged the others to do so as well, while recommending that we skip the April issue pending the outcome of this uncertain development, which was evolving daily. I immediately canceled my press date, then advised our staff and freelancers that, for the first time in 20 years, we would not publish the April issue. But, I assured them all that they would still be paid for all of the work they had completed even though all of our ad revenues had evaporated. This unprecedented health crisis instantly ruptured the rhythm of the multimillion-dollar smooth jazz industry and my small business.
For 20 years, we have never missed a publication. So, it has been difficult for us to temporarily pause publication of Smooth Jazz News beginning with the April 2020 issue due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. As we monitor this situation, which remains fluid, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (https://cdc.gov), directives from credentialed medical professionals and scientists, as well as governmental and public health mandates, we are socially isolating and awaiting the day when it is safe and legal to resume publication of Smooth Jazz News Until then, we are also temporarily pausing new subscriptions. If you are a subscriber, you will not be charged during this period of non-publication of the print magazine, and your subscription expiration date will be extended accordingly when we resume print publication. We sincerely apologize to everyone for this temporary Pleaseinconvenience.checkour Facebook page often for updates, and should you have any questions, please feel free to email us at smoothjazznews@aol.com. Our hearts go out to those affected, medically and financially, by this illness. And our loudest applause is for all of the health care workers, first responders, maintenance people, delivery drivers, truckers, store stockers, cashiers, mail carriers and all other essential workers who make it possible for the rest of us to socially isolate during this public health crisis. Please stay safe and be well.
So, as much as we all enjoy reading Smooth Jazz News in print, we felt it was necessary to join the virtual world and publish this digital-only version for now. We are extremely grateful to the advertisers who provided the budget for this special limited online edition. I hope you enjoy it.
DIGITAL-ONLY MAY/JUNE 2020 | 9 horoscopes and the largest number of ads we had ever sold in any previous April issue.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SMooth Jazz NeWs
On March 11, while editing the second round of layouts of that near-ready-for-pre-press edition, the 45th American president announced a suspension of all travel from Europe to the United States due to COVID-19. Because nearly 90 percent of all attendees of both of Bössner’s festivals are American, I immediately sent him an email that read: “Trump just suspended all travel from Europe to the U.S. for the next 30 days due to the coronavirus, so I think you’re right to skip your ad in the April issue, and let’s see how things shake out.”
Meanwhile, I am anxiously awaiting the day when we can resume publishing the magazine that keeps so many genre enthusiasts updated on artists and events that we will, once again, experience live and in-person, at our favorite venues and destinations. And, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but after two months of isolating at home, I miss the endless days of deadlines!
“Don’t be shy about posting a virtual tip jar,” she advised. “Mention it during the concert. Make it easy for fans to support you.”
Marilyn Lingenfelter James, for instance, segued from being a retired music enthusiast to assuming a full-time supporting role for struggling artists.
For years, James and her husband, Rick Phetteplace, spent their free time traveling on smooth jazz-themed cruises and attending concerts by Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson and other recording artists.
A helpful tab on the site offers a comprehensive listing of all future events, accessible to artists and fans alike. Most of the artists use Facebook Live and some add YouTube or other streaming platforms.
When the COVID-19 crisis compromised the careers of so many musicians, James took to Facebook to find a solution. With the help of tech-savvy Susan Olk Casella, James launched the member-driven Smooth Jazz Online Events, a private Facebook page. Its purpose is to connect artists who are performing live, streaming concerts with their fans.
James encourages member musicians of Smooth Jazz Online Events to schedule shows in a time slot that won’t compete with another artist. And, she supports compensation.
Marilyn Lingenfelter James and husband Rick Phetteplace during the 2017 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
Many members are well-known professionals, including Boney James, Peter White and others, who benefit by posting about their online shows and advertising new album releases.
We don’t care if it’s YouTube, Facebook, Stageit, Zoom or whatever. It helps artists in getting through this time when they have no financial support. It also benefits the fans who are starving for online concerts––with an emphasis on the live. We don’t want people posting old videos. We want events coming up where fans can interact directly with the artist.”
The couple host smooth jazz concerts at their San Diego home and consider many of the artists they have met to be like family. “We traveled all over the world just following the music,” James recalled. “Then we started to support artists, and our involvement accelerated.”
THE PANDEMIC may have docked cruise ships, canceled tours and closed theaters, but it hasn’t stopped smooth jazz musicians and their fans from connecting in new and innovative ways.
“It grew incredibly fast,” she said. “Our focus is informing fans about future live online events, regardless of platform.
BRAUN, the popular trumpeter known for his Rick Braun Signature Events such as his River Cruise Getaways and New Year’s Eve Getaways, joined Smooth Jazz Online Events early“Marilynon. is a young soul with endless energy for this music,” Braun said. “Whenever I’m thinking of making changes or trying something new, I’ll reach out to her. She knows our fan base really well.”
The setting in Braun’s living room is intimate, and with his signature mellow tone and melodic phrasing, he plays his trumpet over instrumental tracks in front of his fireplace in a softly lit room.
By Marcia Manna
Braun hosts “Rick’s Café Live,” streaming at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays on YouTube. Some shows can also be seen on YouTube Live. His mantra is “We can’t spread germs but we can spread love.”
jAzz BuZz and the succulent life
BRAUNRICK performing his “Rick’s Cafe” online show in his home in Woodland Hills, California
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Many artists are discovering that they have thousands of online fans who enjoy interacting with them and with each other.
James said the Smooth Jazz Online Events site currently boasts more than 6,000 members from every continent except Antarctica.
BenterPatPhoto: Creativ e connections during COVID-19
Elliot will join Braun on May 16 on “Rick’s Café,” when the pair will perform songs from their 2009 collaborative album RnR Braun also will produce two songs with keyboardist Philippe Saisse for a new project by saxophonist Dave Koz, who showcased Braun earlier this month on his weekly Facebook Live show “Dave Koz and Friends at Home” at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.
“There were almost 4,000 people on that cruise––two sold-out sailings,” Koz said. “So, we are going to do a virtual sail-away party on May 29. It will be a cruise-centric show with a lot of the artists that were scheduled to perform.
KOZ is upbeat, and with his extensive radio experience, he’s very much at ease looking into a tiny camera and speaking to his audience. He’s all about “having fun for an hour,” and said that a streaming platform can create a unique connection.
Saxophonist Eric Darius was one of those artists. Now he’s hosting his Facebook Live show, “From the Living Room,” on Saturdays at noon. Recently, his show, included his five band members, showcased on a split screen. “Everyone was performing from their own living rooms in real time,” Darius said. “It’s uncharted territory for all of us. You adjust with the times and find creative ways to stay relevant. Everybody does it differently.”
“We developed a little more production possibilities with some programs that exist now. I use Facebook Live and StreamYard. It allows us the interface to have guests. We have a little chat and play some songs, and there are some surprises. You never know what’s going to happen.”
DARIUSERIC DAVE KOZ continued on page 12
Compliments and encouraging comments from listeners all over the world roll down the right side of the computer screen as he performs jazz standards and selections from his 2019 release, Crossroads. Braun often showcases other recording artists, including guitarists White, Marc Antoine and Jonathan Butler. It’s a practice he hopes to continue.
The daily onslaught of COVID-19 news, which Koz described as a “one-sided boxing match where you get hit, hit, hit,” and the postponement of his 2020 Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruises to Amsterdam and the British Isles (rebooked for 2022), has made Koz determined to lift spirits.
“I’m asking for a voluntary donation to offset the costs to pay people to come on the show,” Braun said. “It’s an opportunity to employ Sometimes,musicians.”Braun interacts with his viewers by hosting a competition, such as his recent karaoke challenge. And, when he isn’t performing online, Braun works as a producer on saxophonist Richard Elliot’s new recording, scheduled for release in the fall.
“The graphics, the effects, these are things I’m constantly working on,” Darius said. “It’s a new but exciting experience. This week I’ll debut a new song I’ve been working on, and I’m giving my fans the opportunity to come up with a title.” performing “Live from the Living Room Unplugged” from his Los Angeles-area home performs during his weekly “Dave Koz and Friends at Home” Facebook Live show in the living room of his Sausalito, California, getaway (aka “the nest”)
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DARIUS said that platforms such as Zoom are good for chatting, but the latency has a negative impact on musicians performing at the same time from different locales. He uses an iPhone, iPad and a computer to produce his show.
“That alone is an eye-opener, for fans to see where we live, what is in our bookshelves and see our furnishings. I have a little hideaway house in Sausalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It’s very bucolic, and for the first few times, people were just commenting about the house. I gave everyone a tour, and I have never done that before. Just that alone is interesting for people to tune in to.”
“The first show was March 20, and we’ve been going every week since,” said Koz, who encourages requests from his audience.
“Part of the charm, honestly, is that it is an unpolished show with an artist in their private space,” Koz explained.
HAWLEY earned a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Southern California, and he teaches in addition to performing his online event 7 p.m. Mondays on Facebook. He released his third album, this past February, and he recently featured saxophonist-vocalist Marcus Anderson on his show, which generated 8,000 views. Hawley offers multiple ways to contribute by virtual tip jars. His site includes PayPal, Venmo and Cash App links. “People want to be helpful,” Hawley said. “Some give each week, and I’m super grateful.”
“I jumped back in to the studio and started recording new music,” Anderson said during a recent phone conversation from his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. “I want to be honest and say I took a week or two off to relax because I have been going nonstop for years,” the former member of Prince’s touring band added.
Culbertson created a PayPal link on his tour page for supporting his band, and he uses Facebook Stars, a feature that allows an artist to monetize their stream, so fans can send virtual gifts attached to different star amounts. Culbertson offers incentives––whoever sends the most stars, for instance, can be gifted with a private video chat. He also features a particular wine each week and offers sponsorship opportunities. “I’m going to be real. Right now, there is very little money, but there are ways to monetize the streaming because we are going to have to,” Culbertson said. “Before, it was this casual thing. Now, I’m putting on real shows in lieu of touring. I’m actually putting in a lot of time, effort, thought and money into this. We are all just trying to keep our audience, keep everyone happy and get through this.”
page
And, Anderson will have more time to tend to that enterprise this summer as well because Culbertson’s coast-to-coast road tour, which included more than 60 dates, has been postponed until next year.
ADAM HAWLEY
His 5 p.m. “Friday Night Studio Hang” opens with a wine toast and a funky theme song. It’s a casual and fun party vibe, but the pandemic changed his focus. Recently, Culbertson invested thousands of dollars in new equipment. “Now it’s time to get serious about this,” Culbertson said. “Every week, I’m going to up the ante so it becomes a legitimate television show. I’m in the midst of what I call ‘gearing up,’ and I’m learning all these new programs. I’m not there yet, but you’ll see a major shift in the production quality.”
“Doing [live in-person] shows was impossible, but as far as the coffee shop, we reduced our hours and made everything to-go orders only. So, with the coffee shop, we are maintaining well,” he said.
Now that his 13th album, HERO, is finished, Anderson admits that he is also “adapting to becoming digital,” and that “It was only a matter of time before the performance of music went online as well.”
Another artist who was scheduled to perform on the rescheduled Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise is the talented Adam Hawley, an enthusiastic, upbeat guitarist who grabs everyone’s gaze with direct eye contact and a generous smile.
his “AH-LIVE” show on Facebook from California, with special guest MARCUS ANDERSON joining him from North Carolina
Or, visit the Facebook pages of your favorite artists. from 11 Fan logs on to CULBERTSONBRIAN “Friday Night Studio Hang” from her home computer
Although Anderson has produced several virtual shows of his own, his big online performance is scheduled for May 29, the official release date for HERO. However, if he needs an energy boost to keep up this pace, it’s no problem. He has his own line of caffeinated beverages, AND Coffee, and also co-owns the new coffee shop, Trax, which offers free coffee to first responders and teachers.
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ANDERSON is an independent artist with a full solo career as well as an in-demand guest artist for many smooth jazz stars, including Culbertson. He was scheduled, pre-coronavirus, to tour with the keyboardist, and was a featured performer on Culbertson’s 20th new album, XX. But, when that tour canceled, Anderson had more time to work on his own music.
continued
For a comprehensive list of online smooth jazz concerts and events, check out Marilyn Lingenfelter James’ Smooth Jazz Online Events Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/881085992404178.
“My team wears masks and the proper gear to protect themselves
CULBERTSON also has more time for online connections with fans now, especially because his annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, scheduled for June, had to be postponed until Nov.10-13, 2020. So, his social media performances have been plentiful. Not simply because it’s the current trend. Culbertson actually began posting occasional online concerts from his studio in 2017. He uses his iPhone to stream live on Facebook, and an iPad for YouTube.
DIGITAL-ONLY MAY/JUNE 2020 | 13 If you need to reach our readers during this COVID-19 global pandemic, we have a variety of online marketing options for you at attractively low rates. These include: Ad space in the digital magazine Dedicated emails 1.2hadsmoothjazznews.commorethanmillionhitsin2019 Smooth Jazz News has 14K+ followers It’s the time to ADVERTISE ONLINE BLASTSEMAIL FACEBOOKMAGAZINEDIGITALPOSTSBANNERADS Email us at smoothjazzads@aol.com for details. With the current climate of socially distancing and stay-at-home mandates in place throughout most of the country due to COVID-19, so much communication and connection are going online, including Smooth Jazz News. We have temporarily replaced the print issues of our magazine with a digital-only edition on our website for fans worldwide to read for free.
“A lot of jazz artists are working musicians, and they have to cover their nut, especially if they have families,” he said. “A lot of the schools are shutting down, and they have performing arts centers, so a lot of performances will be canceled until things calm down.”
THE
“A tour bus makes it easier,” Chapman explained. “It was Austin, Houston, Dallas and a travel day. You are doing 400-mile hops in a tour bus overnight.”
Some engagements are shorter, what Chapman called a hit-andrun weekend. “You go into an area and do a concert booking in Indianapolis on Thursday, and book Friday and Saturday in Chicago,” Chapman explained. “As audiences got older, it’s tougher to get them out on weekdays for a must-see show, but they will come out on a Managingweekend.”artists, Chapman stressed, is all about attention to detail and creating opportunities for his clients, so they are “in the frame to be first choice at festivals.”
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By Marcia Manna
Although one can earn an educational degree to support being a talent agent, concert promoter or manager, it takes years of experience to develop a viable business model to represent those with unique musical talents or produce a profitable event.
“There are some acts you know are going to work. You know you are going to make money,” Chapman said. “But with a bigger act, like a Boz Scaggs or Michael McDonald for example, you are going to pay them more, then bump up the ticket price and hope you sell out, or you are in big trouble.”
As a teenager, Chapman played drums in his own band and worked at a London music publishing company before recording and touring with artists such as singer-songwriter Leo Sayer, the country-rock band Poco and British folk-rock guitarist Al Stewart.
Many of Chapman’s clients tour and perform together worldwide, making venue closures due to the coronavirus potentially devastating.
Last year, Chapman arranged a Christmas tour for White along with Euge Groove, Vincent Ingala and Lindsey Webster. The group performed 23 shows in 25 days, driving most of the way and taking a plane for larger distances.
Chapman & Co.’s client roster also includes Mindi Abair, who recently returned to the smooth jazz genre (and to her manager Bud Harner) after a several-year absence exploring blues music with a couple of different managers. She and Ingala are among the acts
After retiring from performing in 1989, he formed Chapman & Co. Management Inc., guiding the careers of Stewart, British guitar ist Peter White, and, over time, a who’s-who of smooth jazz artists including Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Jeff Lorber and David Benoit, among others.
Talent managers and promoters race to respond to coronavirus outbreak MUSIC INDUSTRY
After the shows journeyed to the East Coast and then Florida, the band took a 6 a.m. flight to San Francisco, and a bus picked them up to perform a matinee and evening show at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California.
BEHIND THE SCENES of the music industry, booking agents, festival promoters and managers can spend months negotiating and interacting with each other to make a single concert a success. It’s a high-stakes, all-hours job wrought with challenges.
When the coronavirus emerged in March, impacting hundreds of working musicians, manager Steve Chapman raced to rearrange the lives of his clients.
Routing an artist on the smooth jazz circuit requires timing and mapping skills. Road tours need to be lined up in a specific direction, within a reasonable date range, and promotion must be scheduled in a timely manner. The artist also has to be appropriate for the venue, and that requires a booking agent or manager to have firsthand, up-todate knowledge about every concert hall in every town. The venue’s seating capacity, public address system and the age and tastes of its clientele are all important considerations. And, the artist’s salary can’t be higher than anticipated ticket sales.
“Today it has been about canceling shows and rescheduling shows,” Chapman said with a soft British accent. “You are bouncing from one thing to another all day. I’m a little ADD, so it suits me well.”
He said that the main purpose of artist management is to advise and counsel clients, but they also interact with concert promoters and booking agents, keeping them informed about new album releases and artist collaborations. A manager would negotiate positioning, for example, so that an artist with a significant following would not be an opening act for a new, unknown artist.
continued on page 16
At the time of this writing, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway (rescheduled from June to Nov. 10-13, 2020) and the Chicago Jazz Getaway (Sept. 10-13, 2020) festivals are still happening. But Culbertson’s national road tour was not immune from the effects of theEarliercoronavirus.thisyear, Culbertson released his 20th album, XX, and was scheduled to perform more than 60 coast-to-coast shows in support of the new recording. When large gatherings were prohibited due to the pandemic, the whole tour had to be postponed. Simultaneously, venues all over the country are in the process of rearranging entertainment lineups. Britz acted quickly, booking a revised tour schedule for 2021.
The impact of the coronavirus has struck a blow to the building blocks of the entertainment industry—from the musicians and artist representation to venues and support staff. scheduled to perform at the 34th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in October, launched by veteran radio personality Art Good. Good is known for hosting the popular KiFM “Lites Out San Diego” program. And, smooth jazz fans continue to tune in to JazzTrax, his weekly, streaming syndicated radio show, which Good said “still has an impact and keeps me in the loop.”
Good has learned over the years to think creatively and count on relationships with industry pros, other festival promoters and friends in high places. This year, for example, he was able to book Koz, who headlined a concert at the Bowl last summer. Good thought the popular saxophonist would be out of reach until an agent tipped him off to the fact that the smooth jazz superstar only plays the Bowl during the odd years. So, Good waited for 2020, an even year, and booked him for his festival.
Average White Band was scheduled to play the Bowl, and Good yearned to book the group at his Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
This year’s Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival features Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Jeffrey Osborne and Spyro Gyra, among many popular artists scheduled to perform over the course of two weekends, which as of today, is still scheduled to take place, Oct. 8-11 and Oct. 15-18.
To find talent for his festival, Good starts working a year in advance to create a lineup that will be profitable and competitive. He has to consider the proximity of nearby venues and what is known as a “radius clause. ”It’s a contractual rule restricting distance and promotion, typically for 60 to 90 days, and it prohibits artists from promoting and performing at a nearby venue, potentially undercutting profits.
Britz advised him to start slowly. “If you start out too big, and you lose a ton of money, there is nowhere to go from that,” Britz explained.
Then there was the time that JazzTrax fan and former Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Don Knabe advocated on Good’s behalf.
“Our company does 1,500 shows a year with artists across the board, plus the festivals we produce,” he said. “You have to know your artist and have the right instincts. Everybody has different needs and everyone is different.”
Dave Koz on his 2019 Christmas tour
“I can’t book someone, pay them top dollar and announce it at the end of August,” explained Good. “The majority of my tickets have been sold by the end of August. People plan and come from all over the country.”
“My advice was: Let’s do this, but let’s sell it out the first year, and we can expand it from there.”
Nine years ago, Culbertson created his Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, followed by the Chicago Jazz Getaway.
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The Hollywood Bowl is a 17,500-seat venue that pays artists well, and its radius clause ensures that those acts won’t work at competing festivals and venues.
The Hollywood Bowl, for instance, can block Good from contracting with one of its summer acts, which could forbid him to hire and promote that artist for his October festival.
Steve Chapman, founder of Chapman & ManagementCo.
“He [Knabe] wrote a letter to the Hollywood Bowl asking them to let Average White Band play Catalina, and to let me announce it,” Good said. “And they did!”David Britz, founder of WORKS Entertainment (which has offices in Los Angeles and Nashville), has represented top smooth jazz headliner Brian Culbertson, his only contemporary jazz client, for 16 years. Britz, who grew up in a small Delaware town, scouring record labels and dreaming of producing music acts, said that he and his production manager, Luke Pierce, are involved in every aspect of their artists’ careers.
“ Better Days Will Come Again: The Life of Arthur Briggs, Jazz Genius of Harlem, Paris and a Nazi Prison Camp” By Travis Atria Chicago Review Press 2020 • 304 pages • $27.99 Routing an artist on
16 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
And, right now, the only thing to hate is COVID-19, and its ravages on human life.
Reviewed by Darcy Peters Arthur Briggs is not a well-known name in the history of jazz. But Travis Atria has done scrupulous research to write about the life and times of one of the most talented trumpet players in the world of jazz, who was known as the Louis Armstrong of Paris. Born in Grenada, Briggs traveled to America as a teenager, and immediately began working on his music. The young horn player was disappointed with the segregation problems he found there. So, when he was invited to perform in England, where American jazz was becoming popular, that’s where he went. Briggs performed with various groups there and even played for the King of England. For several years, he performed all over England, and then returned to America, where he encountered the high energy of the music scene in Harlem. However, while touring in the South, Briggs experienced racism like he had never known. The disgusted musician returned to Europe, where he toured extensively. During the wild times of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and their friend Ernest Hemingway, Briggs settled in Paris. His group played for Josephine Baker, who became a stupendous star first in France’s famous capital, and then throughout Europe.
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Now, more than ever, relationships are key to everyone’sIndustrysurvival.professionals like Art Good, who has weathered the impact of streaming and the digital age on musical careers, has identified an old-school trend that supports the possibility of recovery.
Music was the most important thing to Briggs. His groups performed in palaces and dives, but Briggs always played at his best and was well-respected for doing so. Over the years, he brought together many groups and became known for adjusting the types of music played based on the audience. He was known for treating his musicians fairly and bucking up against the promoters who often ripped them off. Upon returning from his last trip to America, times had changed in Paris. Hitler was on the move, and the city no longer supported the nightlife it once had. Paris residents still hoped not to be drawn into the war, but once the Maginot Line was broken, Paris was lost. The Germans invaded, going through group after group of people to remove. Briggs hid out in his apartment with his wife, and only went out to walk his beloved dog. It was on one of these walks when he was arrested and sent to a camp. Soon after arrival, he was transferred to another camp, St. Denis, where he remained for almost four years because the German commander was interested in music. Briggs worked with other imprisoned musicians, and trained for a performance that was very well received. He was required to blow his horn to wake up the camp every morning, and for lights out each night. Over time, his musical abilities made life more bearable in the camp. The prisoners had little knowledge of what was going on in the outside world, but as Germany experienced problems with the Allies and the Russians, the changes in staff made them suspect something new was happening. Once the Allied bombs started falling, they began to slowly make their way out. Briggs was welcomed back to Paris by all the remaining musicians and, quickly attempted to work again. However, jazz had changed with newcomers like Glenn Miller and swing becoming more popular than jazz. Briggs worked to learn the new music, but even as he did, Miles Davis and others were creating new jazz. Briggs fell behind in new styles. He ended up teaching, and never came back to the United States. For all his tremendous amount of work and talent, Briggs is, unfortunately, not a famous name in American jazz history. the smooth jazz
“Something has happened in the last three or four years,” Good revealed. “There’s an evolution of things. Festival promoters have to make it, and nobody wants a jazz festival to fail. Even if you hate a promoter, you want them to succeed because we are all in this together.”
You take your responsibilities at work and home seriously, but this month is the right time for you to pay attention to yourself. Give yourself some time to take stock of where you are in your own growth and comfort.
You have been given a lot of responsibilities lately that require taking care of others. It’s time for you to establish clear boundaries. Don’t make it too easy for others to simply depend on you without thought of consequence.
Photo by: David Hopley
CASHMIRA’SSTARGUIDE
Don’t let a little gossip stop you from working on a project close to you. People seem to resist others on their way to success, but these bits of misinformation will do nothing to affect your goals. Trust yourself.
Cancer June 22 - July 22 This month, you are going to be schooled by someone close to you. Your way of speaking is too careless, and it can be hurtful. Being overly thoughtless or sarcastic has become a habit. Your friend is doing you a great favor.
Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You’ve got a new project going that is exciting. Try to curb your enthusiasm a bit when talking to others, though. There is risk involved, and you just might have to make more than one attempt to be successful. Accept your congratulations when due.
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Leo July 23 - Aug. 22
Gemini May 21 - June 21
You have been dreaming of faraway places but getting some flak from others about proceeding with your plans. You will have an opportunity to help you move forward; just try to keep focused and ignore the naysayers.
Aries March 21 - April 19
Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20 Good for you! You’ve come up with some really good ideas lately. Feel proud of yourself but stop constantly referring to them. Soon, people won’t want to hear about it any longer.
This is the time for you to address a situation you’ve been dreading. Details need to be gathered so you can be ready to handle what comes. Make sure you have the appropriate backup before you proceed. Get help if you need it.
Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 This is the time for you to find your voice and speak up about a delicate subject. Time will not make anything better, so it’s best to deal with the situation now. You may have been perceived as overcautious in the past, but not this time!
Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 You’ve been wishing to do some more exciting things in life, but you still have responsibilities to take care of. Give yourself some time to finish those tasks before you make any irresponsible decisions. The changes will be all the sweeter for that.
You are making some good progress these days. The job is going well, and you are taking your responsibilities in stride. Make some plans for an escape sometime soon, and spoil yourself with an adventure.
Taurus April 20 - May 20
Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 You keep a close eye on your finances, and that just might come in handy this month. No one likes to bicker about money, but keep your receipts ready just to forestall any possible problems. It pays to keep your records straight.
MAY | JUNE 2020
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