Offers the best of both— grand concerts and intimate performances in Reading, Pennsylvania
MICHAEL LINGTON
New releases, a performance series at Spaghettini and a radio show spotlight the saxophonist at the peak of his career
Brazil | Uruguay | Argentina
For the first time ever, we set sail with you to the incredible continent of South America!
March 22-30, 2026
8 Nights | 2 Overnight Stays
São Paulo (Santos), Brazil
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Ilhabela, Brazil
Montevideo, Uruguay
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dave Koz and Friends at Sea is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, featuring amazing ports of call and a one of a kind community of music lovers who have a unique appreciation for culture and travel.
Our guests are fully immersed with the energy and sounds of an array of all-star talent, guided tours, relaxation and fine dining...“Seeing the world together through music”, that’s what the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea cruise is all about!
TMF: FORMERLY OF MAZE
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF FRANKIE BEVERLY
BRIAN CULBERTSON
BONEY JAMES
MARCUS ANDERSON with special guests
KENNY LATTIMORE, JULIAN VAUGHN
REBECCA JADE & ANDREA LISA
STANLEY CLARKE
JACOB WEBB & PHYLICIA RAE
CORY WONG
RNR: RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOTT
LALAH HATHAWAY
DAVID SANBORN TRIBUTE
GERALD ALBRIGHT
SPECIAL EFX ALL-STARS plus special guest THE STRING QUEENS
GERALD VEASLEY’S UNSCRIPTED JAMS AND MANY MORE!
Publisher and Managing Editor
Melanie Maxwell
Operations & Distribution Manager
Craig Collier
Contributors
Ken Capobianco Cashmira
Marcia Luttrell
Darcy Peters
Copy Editors
JoAnn Armke
Barbara Knox
Brad Sondak
Graphic Design
Gina Mancini
Contributing Photographers
Cover photo of Rick Braun by Jurgen Reisch
Oxana Alex
Andrew Ficke Photography Aricthompson.com
Michael Becker
Describe The Fauna
Evelyn Freja
Scott Johnson
Mélisa Miranda Photography
Daniel Ray
Jurgen Reisch
Lori Stoll
Smooth Jazz News
5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919 smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com
We will publish five issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2025: February-March, April-May, June-July, August-September and October-November-December
View of keyboardist-producer Jeff Lorber’s backyard in Pacific Palisades, California, before he and his wife, Mink, evacuated with their two cats, and the fire incinerated their home and his studio. For information on a fundraising concert and organizations accepting donations for the Los Angeles fire victims, please see pages 24 and 25.
8
The most popular ticket in Seal Beach, California, on Jan. 19 was the super-fun Smooth Jazz News 25th Anniversary Brunch Party. Musicians, luminaries and supporters recognized the contribution the magazine has made to the smooth jazz genre, and they saluted Publisher Melanie Maxwell for her unflagging support.
12 34th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
The director’s baton is passed to a new Berks Arts executive director, a jazz enthusiast and a dedicated, longtime festival volunteer
14 FREE-CD offer
Receive a FREE CD when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the 34th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania
16 Rick Braun
The year ahead is crowded with a new RnR collaboration, performance dates and sold-out intimate European river cruises, culminating with his two-day New Year’s Eve getaway
19 Calendar of smooth jazz events
Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide
24 The Los Angeles fire victims need our help
We’ve compiled a partial list of organizations that are assisting in that effort
26 Michael Lington
The saxophonist hits the 2025 touring circuit with a Sax to Soul concert series at Spaghettini; a dinner cruise and main stage performance at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival; and on Dave Koz & Friends at Sea full-ship charter voyage to Iceland, Norway and Netherlands
29 Smooth Jazz News merchandise
Cool concert apparel: new hoodies, plus hats, fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts and tank tops
29 Smooth Jazz News home delivery
Subscribe today!
30 Book Review
“Cher: The Memoir, Part One”
30 Cashmira’s Starguide
Horoscopes for the first quarter of 2025
My spirit and body are refreshed, and I have a renewed sense of mission after a joyous celebration with the smooth jazz community to commemorate the 25th anniversary of our magazine.
wo weeks before our Smooth Jazz News 25th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session was to be held, the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires broke out. Hurricane-force Santa Ana winds spread trillions of embers throughout dry landscapes, igniting uncontrollable, raging fires that decimated entire communities of the once vibrant city. I considered canceling the party I had been planning for months.
Many of our surprise guest artists had cleared their schedules to participate. A few had booked airline tickets and hotel accommodations to attend, as did some fans. Others were driving long distances to be there. Plus, during last year’s party, I was unconscious, in the hospital, on life support with a grim prognosis (all because of a doctor’s mistake). I missed my own party altogether.
So, I really wanted this to be a special day, not only for me, but for everyone. Still, I felt it would be insensitive and disrespectful to celebrate
this milestone occasion when so many people were suffering—evacuation areas were expanding as fires still raged, and the ashes of victims’ homes and their life’s treasures smoldered. Several of the artists, musicians and friends that we know and love, including Jeff Lorber, have lost everything except the clothes on their backs.
However, many of the artists, our advertisers, friends and event producers encouraged us to have it. They all agreed that we needed music and community now more than ever. So, we decided to continue with it as scheduled, on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California, approximately 50 miles from the still active fires.
We had hoped that this party would provide an outlet for our guests and attendees to enjoy a positive and uplifting experience during this tragic time. And, it turned out to be just that.
With the warm welcome of Spaghettini owners Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros, their amazing staff, and the uplifting and soulful
continued on page 10
We may be experiencing turbulent times, but our community stands strong together, and celebrating the 25th anniversary of Smooth Jazz News was one way to collaborate in our collective healing and unity.
• Kim & Ozzie Benoit
• Marcus Anderson
• Mindi Abair, Patrick Lamb & Kathy Payne
• Adam Hawley, his wife, Kat & Craig Collier
• Patrick Lamb chatting with Brenda Madruga, our hostess
• Eva Jones with Peter White & his wife, Robin Pao
• Artists, managers & advertisers toasting
• Evette Benjamin & Craig Collier
• Bud Harner & Patrick Lamb
• Vincent Ingala, Mindi Abair & Peter White
• (Center) Richard Elliot, Melanie Maxwell & Richard’s wife, Camella Elliot
We needed music and community now more than ever.
continued from page 8 music of DW3, a magical, loving, comforting aura embraced our community of jazz enthusiasts.
Adding to this lovely vibe were Spaghettini’s delicious cuisine and drinks enjoyed while some of our favorite artists sat in with DW3 individually, then collectively in an off-the-charts jam session—a jubilant finale bursting with joy! They also offered very kind and sweet words of appreciation for me and the importance of Smooth Jazz News.
Our musical guests included Richard Elliot, Peter White, Mindi Abair, Marcus Anderson, Vincent Ingala and Patrick Lamb. And, when the entertainment ended at 1 p.m., the stage was reset for keyboardist Patrick Bradley and his band, who played for another half hour.
Guitarist-producer Adam Hawley and his vocalist wife, Kat, along with pianist-composer-producer Dan Siegel were in the crowd enjoying the whole scene.
Other invited guests also enjoying the day included our beloved advertisers and supporters of Smooth Jazz News Kathy Payne (Payne Pest Management); Kim and Ozzie Benoit (Rainbow Promotions); Nikki Sweeney (City of Gardena Jazz Festival) and Evette Benjamin (City of Gardena); Steve Chapman and Bud Harner (Chapman & Co. Management).
The smooth jazz genre and lifestyle boast a strong and vibrant community, which is also a benevolent group that never lost sight of the plight of the fire victims. We’ve all sent prayers, money and other donations to organizations helping them. During our deadline for this issue, Terri and Michael Paulo (who couldn’t attend our party because Michael had gigs with Rick Braun in Hawaii) launched plans for a benefit concert, Jam for L.A., scheduled for Feb. 23 at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula, California (details can be found at www.apauloproductions.net).
We continue to pray for all of the victims, those affected, and for the firefighters and first responders who so bravely continue to save lives and fight these devastating fires.
• Nikki Sweeney & Evette Benjamin (the City of Gardena) with Vincent Ingala
• Felicia Pennington, Craig Collier & Evette Benjamin
• Peter White & Mindi Abair
Bottom: left to right:
• Mindi Abair & Patrick Bradley
• Steve Chapman, Mindi Abair & Bud Harner
Photos by Andrew Ficke Photography
We may be experiencing turbulent times, but our community stands strong together, and celebrating the 25th anniversary of Smooth Jazz News was one way to collaborate in our collective healing and unity. I definitely can attest to that!
We’ll be posting more photos on the Smooth Jazz News Facebook page. Please follow us there.
People return year after year to hear top-tier contemporary jazz, traditional jazz, blues, R&B and funk artists
By Marcia Luttrell
The annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest has built a reputation for bringing smooth jazz star power to Reading, Pennsylvania.
Now in its 34th year, the 10-day event attracts fans from all over the world who travel to Berks County to see fest favorites such as multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson; saxophonists Boney James, Richard Elliot, Mindi Abair and Marcus Anderson; trumpeter Rick Braun; bassist Stanley Clarke; and vocalist Lalah Hathaway—all included among the many artists in this year’s lineup.
The festival that opens April 4 and continues through April 13 offers more than three dozen concerts by renowned contemporary jazz, traditional jazz, blues, R&B, funk and crossover artists. Many who return year after year.
Like most festival attendees, Tish Davis looks forward to seeing a concert by one of her favorite musicians. She’s the new Berks Jazz Fest executive director, and at the top of her must-see list is saxophonist
Gerald Albright, who performs at the Jazz Brunch on April 6 in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Grand Ballroom.
“I absolutely adore Gerald Albright’s technique and style,” Davis said by phone from festival headquarters.
“He’s a wonderful musician. I’ve worked with Gerald a lot, not only here at Berks but at some of the other festivals. I’ve gotten to know him, his beautiful wife and his daughter. The jazz fest is like family.”
Davis accepted the executive director position in the summer of 2024, after years of preparing for the role.
She started in 1999 as a jazz festival volunteer while working full time for a Reading candy company.
“My daughters laugh at me because I have volunteered for so long,” said Davis, 58, a mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of six.
“I didn’t just volunteer for Berks, I would travel and plan my entire vacation around different jazz festivals. I remember saying to my kids, ‘I would love to do this full time.’”
After her daughters entered adulthood, she thought, “why not do something you love as opposed to something you have to do to survive.”
In 2022, Davis accepted the position of Berks Jazz Fest event operations director.
It’s a big job, considering that the festival, presented by the nonprofit Berks Arts, is led by a small staff and more than 300 volunteers.
“If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s you take care of the artists, you take care of the fans and everything else takes care of itself.”
Supported through business and hotel sponsorships, concerts both grand and intimate are staged at multiple venues throughout the Greater Reading area, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Miller Center for the Arts, the Scottish Rite Cathedral and the family-owned, 100-year-old establishment known as Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar Restaurant. In addition to presenting large and small concerts, there are free shows with local musicians, the getJazzed music education program, and the Frank Scott Memorial Art Show: “The Art of Jazz.”
Tish Davis
Berks Arts executive director
As operations director, Davis had to work with vendors, build a safety plan and implement a strategy for communicating with all aspects of the festival.
“When it comes to putting on events from the beginning to the end, you have to plan and synchronize the programs,” she explained. “Those are the things I learned that helped with being executive director. Now, I have to look at the big picture. I’m more involved with booking talent.”
Davis was mentored by artistic director John Ernesto, who recently retired after curating the festival since its beginnings. It’s a complicated process that requires a study of touring schedules, securing contracts at the right moment, and staying current with the popularity of artists who appeal to a specific audience—while also introducing up-andcoming talent.
“John is a legend, and working with him helped me learn a lot as far as navigating the programming,” Davis said. “The biggest challenge is booking within the budget. You have to make sure that you’re programming a festival that people want to come out and see. It’s a lot of work. You can’t just pick up the phone and say, ‘I want this person to play at my festival.’ You have to look at their routing dates and where they’re going to be traveling from and where they are going. It wouldn’t make sense to bring in an artist from across the country, who could possibly cost an extra $10,000, as opposed to an artist who is closer and will have the same draw. And you have to know your core audience.”
In her new role, Davis has a vision for expanding the festival. For starters, she wants to appeal to the large Latino population in Reading
by including more Latin jazz artists. She also hopes to make volunteerism more enticing to the younger generation.
“I would love to bring younger people in to be mentored by some of our older volunteers,” she enthused. “They could show them the joy of volunteering. I also want to reach out to nonprofits and other organizations in the community to build a volunteer base that helps out a lot of different organizations.”
There are two new events occurring at this year’s festival that exemplify the ways that the Berks Jazz Fest is unique. Audiences can enjoy one-of-a-kind concerts featuring musical collaborations that are based on a theme, like the tribute to the late Philadelphia-born soul singer Frankie Beverly on April 4, featuring TMF (The Music Forever), the former musicians of Beverly’s band, Maze, now fronted by singer Chris Walker. Beverly and Maze were known for such ’80s hits as “Joy and Pain” and “Before I Let Go.”
“That’s one show that I want to tell everyone to come and see,” Davis said.
There’s also a tribute to the late, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist David Sanborn on April 11, featuring Marcus Miller, Eric Marienthal, Eric Darius, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair and others. Both concerts take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Another signature of the festival is its jams, a fun concert that brings together musicians who want to perform together.
The Gerald Veasley Unscripted Jam, hosted by bassist Veasley, allows for spontaneous creativity—a big enticement for musicians. Nearly a dozen artists participate in these sessions, occurring on four nights throughout the festival.
The popular Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, hosted by Veasley and Braun, is presented April 10 and features Abair, Anderson, Rebecca Jade, Eric Darius and others. Braun also performs with Elliot as RnR on April 11. At the Berks Arts annual Awards Night last year, Ernesto was celebrated for his long and impactful career as festival artistic director and credited for “putting Berks County on the map.”
continued from page 13
Ernesto developed a motto for keeping the festival flourishing, and he passed that wisdom on to Davis.
to the 34th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest?
when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at our booth during the 34th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest April 5-7 and April 11-13
Various venues throughout Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com
“If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s you take care of the artists, you take care of the fans and everything else takes care of itself,” Davis said, repeating Ernesto’s mantra word for word.
“That’s one thing that will stick with me always.”
WHEN April 4-13
WHERE
Various venues throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania. Main venues include: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom, 701 Penn St., Reading; Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., W. Reading; and Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading.
GETTING THERE
Flights are available into the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 65 miles from Berks County.
STAYING THERE
www.berksjazzfest.com/hotel-information
TICKETS AND INFORMATION www.berksjazzfest.com
LINEUP
Below is a partial list of the major concerts. For the complete lineup, visit the festival website.
Friday, April 4
Boney James 9:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom
Saturday, April 5
Brian Culbertson: The Trilogy Tour 7 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral
Thursday, April 10
Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam: Celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month, hosted by Rick Braun and Gerald Veasley, featuring Eric Darius, Mindi Abair, Bobby Lyle, Marcus Anderson, Rebecca Jade, Andréa Lisa, Curtis McCain, Ron Reinhardt, Eric Valentine, Gerey Johnson and more 7 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom
Friday, April 11
David Sanborn Tribute featuring Marcus Miller, Eric Marienthal, Eric Darius, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Arlington Jones, Nate Phillips, Jay Williams, Kevin Turner, Munyungo Jackson, plus Alice Soyer Sanborn 6 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral
RnR featuring Rick Braun and Richard Elliot
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom
Saturday, April 12
9:30 p.m.
Marcus Anderson with special guests Kenny Lattimore and Julian Vaughn .................................................................................. noon
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom
Rebecca Jade and Andréa Lisa
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Small Ballroom
3:30 p.m.
“Yamaha Saxophones have been my choice for many years. You’ll always see me on stage or in the studio with my trusted Custom Z. Simply, I love the way it plays and sounds.”
By Ken Capobianco
Celebrated jazz trumpeter Rick Braun might be in between solo records of new material, but he’s busier than ever . He’s coming off a year of touring that culminated in a Christmas album, a string of Christmas shows, and his popular annual New Year’s Eve blowout.
Now, he’s looking ahead to a 2025 filled with numerous solo tour dates, a headlining set at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in his native Pennsylvania in April, and his sold-out River Cruises in France and Portugal over the summer. And, he’ll reach a crescendo with his two-day New Year’s Eve getaway in Orlando, Florida.
The 69-year-old Braun sees his arduous schedule as another challenge in the life of a modern jazz player making the music he loves.
“As the great football coach Vince Lombardi once said, ‘I never lost a game, I just ran out of time,’ and that applies to life,” said the polite and friendly Braun via phone on a crisp autumn day in Los Angeles.
“I’m going to keep playing the game until I run out of time. I still love what I’m doing and meeting new challenges or working with new people, so there’s still a lot to do. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
During his three-decade-plus solo career, Braun has recorded 16 records of original material, as well as funksoul-jazz collaborations with guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Kurt Whalum as BWB, and with saxophonist Richard Elliot under the umbrella name RnR.
The trumpeter said he likes to stay busy, and he anticipates his next project to be another outing with his friend Elliot.
“I think the next project in the wind will be a RnR record. I just got off the phone with Richard, and we have talked about it before,” he said. “There are no concrete plans as of this moment, but I
“As
“We don’t have a label right now, but we will certainly find a home for it. You can’t imagine how many people ask me when there will be a new RnR record, so this seems to be the right time. When this story runs, we should be along in the process.”
Braun has established himself as one of the premier trumpeters of his generation, thanks to his unique versatility and lithe, potent playing in jazz, soul, R&B and pop. He began just out of college in a short-lived fusion band, Auracle. He had crossover success in the pop world as a studio and touring musician for Sade, Rod Stewart and Natalie Cole, among others, before going
He separated himself from his peers with unique showmanship and stylish playing that allowed his music to breathe. He embraces the space between—the notes he leaves out are just as integral as the ones he plays. It’s the difference between a stylist
While every trumpet player lives in the shadows of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Chet Baker, Braun has carved out his own niche and found
through years of playing and collaboration that grounded him as a musician. He had musical epiphanies that shaped his sound
Braun laughed while recalling advice he and the members of Auracle received from producer Teo Macero, who was behind the board for some of the most influential jazz Bitches Brew.
“We were a ‘we’ll-show-you kind of band,’ which meant being as incredibly virtuosic as possible. Think about playing every note imaginable. And Teo sat us down and said, ‘You know, it’s not about what you play—it’s about what you don’t play. Leave space for people to absorb what you played. When
the great football coach Vince Lombardi once said, ‘I never lost a game, I just ran out of time,’ and that applies to life. I’m going to keep playing the game until I run out of time. I still love what I’m doing and meeting new challenges or working with new people, so there’s still a lot to do. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
you hit them with that barrage of notes, people tend to be pushed away.’
“We never thought of that. It was a revelation,” he added.
Braun said one of his musical heroes, George Benson, helped guide him also. “Before ‘Breezin ’ and ‘Masquerade’ made George a superstar, we opened for him at Buffalo University. We were out to show that we were far superior musicians compared to everyone else, including George Benson,” he laughed.
“And after we finished our set, George, God bless him, pulled us aside and said, and this is not his exact words but close, ‘Great set, guys. You are clearly terrific musicians, but are you enjoying what you do?’
“And that set us back because enjoyment wasn’t part of the equation for us. We were out for blood. George continued to say that if you are not enjoying what you do and showing the audience, then why would they have a good time and come back to see you again?
“And that changed my life and career. There are so many great musicians, but not that many great entertainers who engage the audience.”
The Allentown, Pennsylvania, native is scheduled to headline the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania, with Elliot, on April 11. It’s a festival for which he has great fondness; he has played it many times, and it allows him to return home.
“It’s always very sweet and rewarding for me to go back to Berks. I’ve been a part of the festival for almost 30 years now,” Braun
maintained. “I’ve hardly missed a year— I missed one because I had pneumonia.
“I usually rent a car and visit the old haunting grounds. Go back to my favorite restaurants and to the area I used to go with my mom when I was a schoolkid.
“She used to take me back-to-school shopping in Reading, Pennsylvania. We’d buy shirts and underwear or whatever I needed. All that floods back when I play Berks.”
He added that the festival holds important memories that resonate to this day. “Before my mom passed, I had brought her up onstage at Berks and played ‘My Funny Valentine’ for her. That was very special and something I remember when I get onstage there.”
Braun and his wife, Christiane, have two children, 22-year-old son Kyle and 24-year-old daughter Emma. “When my daughter Emma was young, I took her on a daddy-daughter road trip to the festival. I remember driving with her on my lap, and then someone took a picture of me when I played with her in my arm during my show. So, the festival brings back such wonderful memories.”
Like many of his jazz peers, Braun has established successful annual events and performance-social cruises. His upcoming, sold-out River Cruise in July, sailing out of Bordeaux, France, down the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, marks a milestone for the trumpeter.
“The big news is I will be turning 70, and my wife will be 60,” he said. “So, we will be celebrating with a birthday cruise. July 3rd through the 10th is the Bordeaux cruise, and my birthday is on the 6th. I’ve been forbidden to work that day. But I will be entertained by others. Immediately after that, we will go to Porto, Portugal, for another cruise. I will be chilling on the boat, maybe doing some impromptu stuff.”
Unlike his friend Dave Koz’s ocean cruises, Braun’s River Cruises are more intimate and, for him, relaxing. “My River Cruises are different than the other ones I’ve been on. The ship holds about 170 guests, so they are very exclusive and scaled down. We do our shows at night, but not every night.
“Some nights we have a Stump the Band contest or an ABBA or disco evening, where everyone is singing and dancing. It’s tremendous fun.
“This is like a floating nightclub— very laid-back.”
continued on page 18
continued from page 17
The trumpeter, who has also produced numerous musicians and co-written songs with an array of artists, is a very active philanthropist. His daughter, Emma, is autistic, and he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and help programs that support children and adults with autism.
It’s valuable work that will become more necessary because it is anticipated that government funding for health care and other social and medical programs will be drastically cut in the upcoming years.
Braun raises money on his cruises through auctions, and he emphasized how generous some of his fellow musicians such as Elliot and Jonathan Butler have been by donating valuable instruments to the cause.
“We have donated to the Autism Society over the course of our history,” Braun said. “Also, to the Meristem school in Sacramento.
“The last few years, we have donated to the West Virginia Autism Training Program,
Sullivan, who started the Autism Society. Her son was the inspiration for Dustin Hoffman’s character in Rain Man.
“Ruth Sullivan was an amazing woman who also started the IEP program in schools—individualized educational programs for intellectually challenged young people. The West Virginia Autism Training Program is a residential program that gives 24-hour support for college-age autistic adults to achieve a college degree. It’s the only program of its kind in the country.”
With plenty on his plate, Braun heads into the new year focused and energized. He said that he tries to stay positive, even in dire times. While life might have some setbacks, he will always remain unbowed.
“Let’s face it, sometimes (expletive) happens, and sometimes it happens to me. That’s what I think when there are problems,” he said, pragmatically.
“I’ve been married to my wife, Christiane, for 27 years, which is more than five normal
“You have to keep going. One foot in front of the other. I’ve always been a blue-collar guy. I’m not this mystical guy. My father was a steelworker and grew up in Allentown.
“No matter what happens, you get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other and get through it.”
He paused momentarily to ruminate on his words. “I married a woman who lives that. One of the big inspirations for me is my wife. She is a strong person.
“I would be dishonest if I said I was a strong person. I have days when it’s very difficult, and I look at her. She’s doing it and continues to. My relationship with my wife and kids gets me by, and I’m always picking up my horn and playing some music and then remembering that feeling that started when I was 8 years old, the first time I played. And that’s what gets me through.”
For more information on Braun, including his tour schedule, visit www.rickbraun.com
MARCH 27-30
Daytona Jazz Weekend at One Daytona The Daytona Daytona Beach, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com
APRIL 10
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, hosted by Rick Braun and Gerald Veasley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Grand Ballroom Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com
APRIL 11
Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
RnR: Rick Braun and Richard Elliot
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Grand Ballroom Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com
DEC. 30-31
Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel Orlando, Florida
www.floridasmoothjazz.com/ rick-brauns-nye-25
1
Patrick Lamb with Urban Jazz Coalition, 6 & 9pm, Natalie’s Music Hall & Kitchen, Music Hall Stage, 945 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio, www.patricklamb.com
Grooves at The Westin with Rick Braun & special guest Michael Paulo, opener Gregg Karukas, featuring Kay-Ta Matsuno
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Westin Grooves Backyard, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin.com, 951-696-0184
Mindi Abair Wine & Jazz Tour
2
Adam Hawley Birthday Bash, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
6
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
13
Julian Vaughn, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
continued from page 19
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Blake Aaron & Althea Rene, 7 & 9:30pm, Blues Alley, 1073 Rear Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, www.bluesalley.com
22
Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
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Richard Elliot, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
2
Terry Steele presents The Divas: A Tribute to the Divas of Music, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California,
Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
10
Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul featuring Kandace Springs, 6:30pm; pre-show event with Lington & Springs, 5pm, Spaghettini
APRIL 5 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
Rebecca
BPM Superband Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo
Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
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Jessy J, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
16
Trial by Fire: A Tribute to the Legends of ’80s featuring Billy Mondragon, 4pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
20
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch
Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
22
Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch
Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
27
Daytona Jazz Weekend, hosted by Mindi Abair, featuring Randy Jacobs, Paul Taylor & Adam Hawley, Abair, 7pm; Thursday Night Jam with Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun, Keiko Matsui, Brian Simpson, Taylor, Hawley, Jacobs, 11pm; After-Concert Meet & Greet, 11:30pm; After-Concert Hang, midnight, the Blue Flame Bar, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
28
Daytona Jazz Weekend, hosted by Mindi Abair, featuring Keiko Matsui & Gerald Albright, 7pm; Friday Night Jam with Abair, Albright, Matsui, Peter White, Rick Braun, Paul Taylor, Adam Hawley, Vincent Ingala, Brian Simpson, Jessy J & Randy Jacobs, 11pm; After-Concert Meet & Greet, 11:30pm; After-Concert Hang, midnight, the Blue Flame Bar, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007
DW3: A Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
29
Daytona Jazz Weekend, hosted by Mindi Abair, featuring Abair & Peter White unplugged, noon, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona 500 Club, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007
Daytona Jazz Weekend, hosted by Mindi Abair, featuring optional WineandJazz.com Wine Tasting Event with Abair & Eric Guerra, 4pm; concert featuring Brian Simpson & Jessy J, 7pm; Grand Finale Jam with Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Keiko Matsui, Paul Taylor, Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley, Simpson, Jessy J & Randy Jacobs, 11pm; After-Concert Meet & Greet , 11pm, the Blue Flame Bar, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007
Nathan Mitchell “All White Party, ” 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
31
Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & special guest Peter White, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 continued on page 22
continued from page 21
2
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
9
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
16
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Paul Taylor, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
23
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by BK Jackson, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
2
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Erin Stevenson, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
9
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Mindi Abair, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
16
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Daytona Jazz Weekend Sunday Brunch, 8:30am; Artist Q&A Panel with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, Keiko Matsui, Randy Jacobs, Paul Taylor, Adam Hawley, Brian Simpson, Jessy J, Rick Braun, Vincent Ingala & Peter White, 10:30am, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach,
Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007
Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
NOTE: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of the listings contained in this calendar, events may be postponed or canceled without notice. Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are all subject to change without notice. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations, changes or the accuracy of any concert, festival, cruise or brunch information contained in advertisements and/or editorial published in this magazine, which has been provided by outside sources. Please confirm all information with the organizer directly before making any plans.
Here is a partial list of organizations accepting donations, large or small, to help the thousands of Los Angeles fire victims:
• Altadena Rotary Club www.altadenarotary.org
• American Red Cross www.redcross.org
• Animal Wellness Foundation www.animalwellnessfoundation.org
• Baby2Baby baby2baby.org
• California Community Foundation www.calfund.org/funds/ wildfire-recovery-fund
• California Fire Foundation www.cafirefoundation.org
• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supportlafd.org
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank www.lafoodbank.org
• Pasadena Humane pasadenahumane.org
• World Central Kitchen wck.org
By Ken Capobianco
Saxophonist Michael Lington is on a roll. Following his successful 2023 EP, Looking Ahead, which featured the long-running Billboard chart-topping single “South Bay,” he’s releasing a complementary companion EP, On the Scene, due in the spring.
To accent his new music, Lington is playing a monthly residency from February to April at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California, with an array of R&B vocalists in his “Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul” series.
about interpretations of songs as well as live,” he said recently from his San Diego home via phone.
The Copenhagen, Denmark, native, who has established a successful solo career after a distinguished tenure as a sideman and studio musician, is making some of the most romantic and soulful music of his life. On the Scene is a confidently melodic set of songs emphasizing his superb songwriting and emotionally true sax work.
While he has been making albums for nearly 30 years since his 1997 self-titled debut, Lington feels he has shifted into a new gear with his most recent music.
“People I’ve worked with before and others have said to me that there is a maturity in my writing and my performances—I’m talking
“A lot of that comes with getting more experience, but that has a lot to do with getting married and having children. That unleashes a different part of you. Having the love that comes with having a family— the love of children is special—and it’s reflected in the music.”
The 55-year-old musician married his wife, Keri, a few years ago, and is now a father to his 5-year-old son, Landon, and to his 9-year-old stepdaughter, Lauren.
“Having a family was extremely important to my life, and it shows up in the music,” he said. “I’ve made a lot of albums, and with this new version of me, it’s unleashed some new tools and inspiration, which directly affects my music.”
Since his debut, Lington has released 12 highly regarded solo albums, toured internationally, and played with a dizzying roster of the most revered artists in jazz, blues, R&B and pop, ranging from Michael Bolton to Randy Crawford and Barry Manilow, among others. He’s also been a Yamaha-endorsed saxophonist for 20-plus years.
Not bad for a musician from humble beginnings in Copenhagen in the early 1980s.
“Denmark has been very famous for its jazz because a lot of American artists would go and live in Europe, particularly Copenhagen,” reflected Lington. “So the music was around me. My original inspiration to play music was my grandfather, who was a very accomplished musician, bandleader and composer there.
“Once I switched to the saxophone around 14 or 15, I was listening to jazz or things like jazz-funk or R&B or pop and David Sanborn or Grover Washington, Cannonball Adderley, the bluesy stuff I loved.
“And all these great artists were Americans. So, I would listen to the music on cold and rainy nights and days in Copenhagen, dreaming about becoming a professional musician and realizing all the musicians came from sunny California.”
He laughed, thinking back to leaving Copenhagen for the City of Angels, high hopes and broken hearts.
“I knew I had to move to Los Angeles. My parents thought I would be back after three months, so they had no problem with me leaving. They had to be thinking, ‘What’s a guy from Denmark going to do in Los Angeles? So let him go.’
“And I never went back. It’s crazy. That was December 1990. I had a saxophone, a suitcase and a big dream.”
It didn’t take long for him to establish himself as a premier sideman in the 1980s and early ’90s, but talent often needs a place to shine. He made a crucial career move by stepping out on his own to great success.
“Bobby Caldwell was responsible for me going solo,” Lington explained. “He told me it was the thing to do while I was working with him. You have to understand the history of Bobby’s sax players at the time.
The saxophonist explained that since the series started in 2024, it has been a success, selling out shows and bringing a vibrant musical synergy to the stage.
“Last year I had Brian Culbertson come in, and even though he’s part of the jazz community, he’d never played there because he plays bigger venues. And, we had Howard Hewett of Shalamar, Regina Belle and Marcus Miller. None of them had played there before.
“I’m friends with Brian and Howard, and I knew Marcus a bit. I start with the relationships, but they have to fit the parameters for the series. I get a lot of people asking me to play now, and some don’t fit, but the interest is gratifying.”
“Having a family was extremely important to my life, and it shows up in the music. ... It’s unleashed some new tools and inspiration, which directly affects my music.”
“I took over for Boney James in Bobby’s band in 1994. Boney took over from Dave Koz, and Dave took over from Richard Elliot. So, within two weeks of me playing with Bobby, he said, ‘You should make a record.’
“He emphasized that he had already sent off Boney, Dave and Richard to solo careers, and it would be inevitable for me.
“Two years later, I put out my debut, and Bobby sang on ‘Tell It Like It Is,’ a cover of the Aaron Neville song, which became a multichart hit. Even Casey Kasem and Dick Clark played it on their Top 40 and Top 30 shows.
“I couldn’t believe what was happening. Sometimes life surprises you.”
And now Lington has some surprises for his fans with his “Sax to Soul” series at Spaghettini over the next two months. It features R&B stars Kandace Springs, Ruben Studdard and Kenny Lattimore. Boney James appeared at the first show in January.
The affable Lington created the series to expose some R&B artists to the more contemporary jazz-centric Spaghettini audience. He explained that he has had a wonderful relationship with the club, and it is the perfect venue to showcase the type of performances he had in mind.
“I’ve had a long history with Spaghettini. It’s one of the premier clubs. I’ve known the owners for a long time, since the mid-’90s, and to see what they have done with the club is amazing.
“I see how much contemporary jazz and other series they have, so I had the idea to bring different artists in there with all new vibes—different from the jazz thing. Bring in people who have never played there or bring artists from a different genre like R&B and soul.”
He added that the evenings transcend music by bringing a personal touch to the collaborations with pre-show discussions. “We have a Q&A with the artists to get to know them, and they talk about their careers and other things. It’s before we play. Then my band and I play a 45-minute-or-so set, and then the guest, before we play together.
“This year we have Boney, who has never been to Spaghettini, let alone play. And, we have Ruben, Kandace and Kenny. It should be a lot of fun. It’s new to the Spaghettini audience. It’s classic R&B, and there’s nothing like that.”
Lington is as multifaceted a person as he is a musician. In the past, he owned wine and cigar companies, and now he hosts a jazz program on smoothjazz247. com every Friday at noon PST. It’s a throwback to the old FM radio vibe, where the host tells stories and reflects on music.
“In April, I’ll be hosting the show for three years. It’s programmed by Jimmy King in the U.K., who is also a promoter and does a show over there. I’m able to talk about what I want. Part of the charm is me being an artist and on the road at times and having friendships with many of the artists. I provide stories about the road and commentary on music.
“Richard Elliot is my neighbor, so I can talk about going out to dinner together, or if Richard or Boney or Dave Koz comes on, we can
continued on page 28
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talk about Bobby Caldwell because we are alumni. I can give insight into my records—how they were recorded and why. Or, I can talk about my time with Randy Crawford and others.”
Now that he has a family, Lington has had to adjust his schedule to make sure he can balance dedication to his art with the demands of his family. An integral component of fatherhood is being present in the lives of your wife and children. It’s a concept many musicians never grasp.
“When you have the priorities of your family, you have to pay as much, if not more, attention to your family as you do your career,” he said. “If you don’t pay an equal amount of attention, one is going to suffer. It’s best to have neither suffer. Here’s what I’ve learned: Kids require a lot of attention.”
He paused and turned pragmatic.
“You look at your days, and structure them differently. You think the kids go to school at this time and come home at this time, and then at dinner, you spend time with them. So, there’s a window between 9 and 3 to get done what you need to get done.
“You learn to become very productive and not waste any time. When I was single, if I didn’t do it in the day, I’d do it at night. Now there’s no chance for distraction, so you become more structured and focused, which is a positive.”
FEB. 3
“Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul” featuring Ruben Studdard Spaghettini | Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com
MARCH 10
“Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul” featuring Kandace Springs Spaghettini | Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com
APRIL 14
“Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul” featuring Kenny Lattimore Spaghettini | Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com
APRIL 23
The discussion took place just as the devastating wildfires began in Los Angeles, and a week after the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Life seems out of balance these days as the world tries to make sense of constant chaos. People are searching for a grounding influence and balance.
Lington said that he has gotten a better handle on the vicissitudes of existence and the ups and downs a professional musician inevitably goes through. Some people find solace in meditation, some in religion, some in exercise, and some in nature. He has found peace by looking inward.
“My wife has been so instrumental in keeping me balanced and focused,” he said. “She’s very big into working on yourself and aligning yourself with your goals.
“She has been very helpful to me in building that emotional strength, so I’m more even-keeled. I’m not, ‘If you have a bunch of shows you’re happy, and if you don’t, you are not.’ I can find that balance and achieve a more genuine happiness. And that takes dedication, meditation, reading, understanding and patience. Don’t get caught up in envy or entitlement. Don’t keep asking yourself, ‘Why is this happening to me when things go wrong?’ Remember what is happening to you is what’s meant for you.”
For more information on Lington, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.michaellington.com.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival Dinner Cruise (sold-out)
Aboard the Solaris Dinner Yacht on St. Andrews Bay Panama City Beach, Florida www.seabreezejazzfestival.com
APRIL 24
Seabreeze Jazz Festival (sold-out)
Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach, Florida www.seabreezejazzfestival.com
JUNE 14-21
Dave Koz and Friends at Sea 2025 (sold-out, waitlist only) Voyage 2: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands Reykjavík to Rotterdam aboard Holland America’s ms Rotterdam www.davekozcruise.com
Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Things seem a little blah just about now. It is time to wake yourself up and get moving toward your goals. A good first step would be to decide what those goals actually are. Make your decisions carefully, and with an open mind.
Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20
You are concentrating on your career as usual, but as always you have more than one reason for all your hard work. You have been committed to your charitable work, which has been an important part of your life.
Aries March 21 - April 19
This will be an interesting time for you. You are about to meet a whole new crew, and navigating this change could require work. Remember to address the mix between the original folks and the new with a little finesse. They deserve it.
Taurus April 20 - May 20
Some changes are definitely pending in the workplace for you. Be ready to deal with a new fallout because of changes at the top. Make sure to remain nimble and positive with your responses to all these new transformations.
Gemini May 21 - June 21
This is a time of shake-ups in your romantic life. You might have to deal with changing emotions from your partner, or you may receive new communications from a lost love. Think carefully before you make your responses to these changes.
Cancer June 22 - July 22
Your relationships need care now. It is time to address a few of the issues that have been pending for a while. You must come to an understanding regarding your differences. This can definitely be accomplished, so don’t worry.
Leo July 23 - Aug. 22
It looks like there may be plenty of changes coming up, and it is up to you to make some decisions. You may want to consider relocating for your work; just be clear about what you really want from the move.
Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
You might be going international soon. You may run across issues with the travel arrangements, though. Make sure you have both a Plan B and even a Plan C. Things will be popping around you. Once you arrive, have fun!
Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22
This might be the time for you to pursue additional learning opportunities. You may decide that you want to go for an elevated degree, or even consider a total change in your career. Learning never ends.
Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
Do not let your excitement for upcoming changes make you sick! There is a whole new life coming up for you, so settle down, and let yourself enjoy it as much as possible. Pat yourself on the back for making this move. Just step into it!
Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
You are likely to be dealing with some new folks in business soon. Your business has a long reach, and you may hear from people in other countries. Make sure you are clear in your communication with these latest business partners.
Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Now is the perfect time for you to address one of your unhealthy habits. If this is something you have tried before and been unsuccessful, perhaps this is the best time for you to get help. Maybe see someone to help you stop smoking, etc.
“Cher: The Memoir, Part One”
By Cher Dey Street Books
2024 • 432 pages • $36
Reviewed by Darcy Peters
Cher is a global icon. She’s won an Academy Award, Grammy Award and Emmy Award, and she now adds author to her list of accomplishments. Her 50-year career and myriad personal relationships certainly are fodder for a great life story. This is only part one of her memoir, and she promises a part two later this year.
Her story starts with her family beginnings: young parents who were quite poor and often erratic. Her father left the family and dropped her off at a children’s home for several months. Her mother married many times during Cher’s childhood, often quite briefly. She was remarkably close to one of her stepfathers, John Southall. “Most important, the only man I ever called Daddy loved me and treated me as his own. That was good enough for me.” He was also the father of her only sibling, Georganne.
School was never a good place for Cher because she changed locations so many times and was also a nondiagnosed dyslexic. By age 16, she simply left school and her home. Needing a place to stay, she ended up staying with a friend of a friend, Sonny Bono. Originally just friends, Bono took the teenage Cher with him to work, where he was one of Phil Spector’s assistants. Spector was working on his “Wall of Sound” techniques, and at one point he asked her to pitch in and sing.
Sonny was struggling as a songwriter, and when Cher’s talents became apparent, he began working on them as a duo. Cher’s relationship with Sonny was obviously one of the most important of her life. They were lovers, but more importantly they were friends with a bond that remained until Sonny’s death. Their relationship changed from a couple of kids to an ultrasuccessful duo, but along the way their relationship changed. Sonny became increasingly more controlling.
Sonny continued writing songs and filming two movies in his efforts to make them famous. Their smash television show shot them both to major stardom. The couple’s outrageous clothing was a large part of their attraction.
Cher left Sonny and had other relationships, including a brief marriage to Gregg Allman, during which she had her son, Elijah Blue. Sonny and Cher had a daughter, Chastity, who is now a transman, Chaz Salvatore Bono. Cher had a relationship with David Geffen, who was helpful to her when she discovered Sonny had total control over all their money made from both their television show and her albums. She also spent time with Gene Simmons from Kiss.
Cher always had a desire to become a serious actor. By this time, she knew tons of actors and movie folk, but was getting nowhere in trying to get someone who would give her a chance. She ends this first part of her memoir with a conversation she had with her friend Francis Ford Coppola, who advised her: “The problem is that until you do something, nobody will believe you can. The worst that can happen is that you fail, but at least you’ll have tried.” He advised her to go to New York.
So, part one of the story, too big for just one book, pauses with Cher preparing for a new direction in a career that will dazzle and delight. Are you tantalized? Get booked for the upcoming part two.
