ISSUE 9 JANUARY 2015
Happy New Year to all of our supporters, subscribers and fans! Yes, we survived 2014. In fact, we thrived because of the incredible support, hard work, creativity, and dedication of our support system. I am personally grateful to everyone for their tremendous efforts, and I wish everyone a rewarding, joyous new year. I look forward to working with you in 2015. I’m elated about what we have in store for our readers in 2015. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your print or digital download today! — Musically yours
THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE JAN 2015
CEO, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.
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For a limited time only, if you subscribe online, you’ll receive our exclusive rate of $69.99. Or get your digital subscription for $29.99. A fusion of jazz, fashion and art, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine is the premiere source for the jazz industry a nd its artists. Captivating an audience of over 180,000 national and international readers, this quarterly digital and print magazine chronicles the stories behind the hottest and most fascinating artists and trends in the jazz i ndustry. THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine celebrates the jazz genre from a fresh and passionate perspective through dynamic cover stories, trendy blogs, festival/cruise insights, and “Jazz Watch” music reviews on past and p resent artists.
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren Contributing Writers Carolyn Beverly Peter Böhi Monica Murphy Eaves
Contents Swag M.E.E.
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Dionne
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M.E.E. Art Gallery
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featuring David McLorren Sharon Rae North Bronson Rockwell Angela P. Moore-Thorpe
Contributing Photographers Peter Böhi Alex Russell Rod Charles Roger Steen Tony Gaines Thirdiimage Heidi Powell Prera Claudelle Photography Cover Image Tony Gaines Design & Layout Tonya D. Wright Jereme Brown Copy Editor Angela P. Moore-Thorpe THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. P.O. Box 683184 Houston, Texas 77268 281-260-8469 info@thejazzinmee.com www.thejazzinmee.com
Alexis L.R.
COVER STORY
Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Award
Photographer Spotlight: Rod Charles
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Houston Spotlight
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Nancy Herkul
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Ragan Whiteside
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Daughters of Jazz
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2nd Annual Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala
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Can’t Help Myself
Greg Chambers
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Jazz Watch
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Dee Lucas
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The Melody in M.E.E.
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4 th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival Ayanna Soulful Rose Curvezz
Quantum Drive
Selina Albright & Rochella Brown
Radio Promotion: Gorov Music Marketing
Tip Jar
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Under The Sign With M.E.E.
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The Smooth Factor
Joe Sample Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg
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THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. is published 4 times a year quarterly. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, advertisers or staff. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher
Helium
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE JAN 2015
Visit our store to purchase popular merchandise that has been spotted on jazz artists and fans across the globe.
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David McLorren was spotted showing his swag. Send us pics of you in our swag and we may show your photo in our next issue!
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WorldBlue BlueComing ComingSoon Soon World
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2nd Annual
Karen Briggs photos by Claudelle Photography
Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE JAN 2015
by Melody Warren
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THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE was proud to be a media sponsor & partner for the 2nd Annual Jazz Legacy Foundation Fundraising Gala that was held on November 14-15, 2014, at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel. It is the mission of the Jazz Legacy Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, to transform young lives through charitable support by way of educational scholarships, creative arts, leadership development, mentoring workshops, and community partnerships, all with the aspirations of enhancing the appreciation and preservation of the art of Jazz. They also create and conduct workshops, mentoring programs with master musicians, and offer educational scholarships to further musical endeavors and development. Alvin Keels and Jeri Horne are doing phenomenal work in Virginia with this amazing organization, the students and the events that accompany their efforts.
This was the ultimate party with a purpose, filled with fundraising, music, art, interesting people and phenomenal entertainment. The Kick Off Party held at Roger Brown’s Sport Bar & Restaurant, Portsmouth, VA, jump started the weekend with music by Smithfield, VA.-based Forte Jazz Band, with Brian Pinner- saxophone; James Ford- piano; Jeffrey Bradby- guitar; Daniel Quackenbush- bass; Darryl Rawlins- drums; Felix Valderrama- percussion; and Shevonne Newby- vocals. The Fuzz Band commenced the musical glitz and glam with their high energy performance demanding everyone’s undivided attention on Friday night, November 14th. Band members Duane Smithtrumpet/leader; Kabana Blaq-Smith- vocals; Naka Madry- vocals; Michon David- vocals; Jason Jennifer- drums; Kevin Brown- congas; Percy Thomas- bass; Aaron Eaddy - guitar and Tavis Simmonspiano, mixed genres of music, keeping it enticing and entertaining.
Pieces of A Dream set the stage ablaze! This was my first Pieces of A Dream live experience and it was well worth the wait. I remember dancing with my friends to their music in high school. They played many of their hits including Mt. Airy Groove and Fo-Fi-Fo. They had me up on my feet and reliving memories about back in the day. Curtis Harmon on drums was show stopping, and James Lloyd did his incredible walk around the keyboard where he walks around to the back side of the electronic keyboard while continuing to play. The grand finale included the band playing Jimi Hendrix’s classic Purple Haze and then transitioning into The Star Spangled Banner; the crowd went wild. Guess who got the drum sticks after the show...that would be me! Will Downing adorned the stage for the final and headlining performance of the evening. As always, he captivates the crowd with amazing soulful and sexy songs. Women love Will Downing, and men love the women who love Will Downing.The audience sang along throughout the entire sultry performance. Sin for Me and Sexy were great crowd pleasers. I love the way Will and his band gave us the best of Old School jams. The band members and background vocals were on point and consisted of Chris Davis- keys; Joel Tate- drums; Wayne Bruce- guitar; Mark Walker- bass; and Carol Riddick & Fred Sawyers - vocals. Kim Waters
The second sold out show on Saturday night, November 15th, commenced with an artist that always excites me; she has exquisite showmanship and unparalleled talent. Karen Briggs on violin, on stage is monumental every time. Briggs was raised in Portsmouth, and on this special night Mayor Kenny Wright declared, by proclamation, that November 15, 2014, was “Karen Briggs Day”. This Proclamation recognized her contributions, not only to the City of Portsmouth, but also to the world of music. The talented Patrice Rushen joined Briggs on stage playing keys and singing some of her big hits which made for an extraordinary performance for the crowd. Briggs slayed Jean Luc Ponte’s Renaissance, and Patrice had us reminiscing with Remind Me and Forget Me Nots. The band couldn’t get any better with Cheikh Ndoye-bass; Dan Leonard-guitar; and Marcus Baylor-drums. Phil Perry
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Alvin Keels and Jerri Horne
Kim Waters and Phil Perry took the stage and were truly unforgettable. They stole the show with their sultry, sexy and engaging performance that had the crowd buzzing. Phil did a great rendition of the 1957 Sam Cooke classic You Send Me, which included heart-stopping vocals. Phil also sang Living For The Love Of You, Call Me The Moment You Get There, and the Charlie Wilson classic My love Is All I Have. In a moment of spontaneity, the duo called Monica Murphy Eaves on the stage, had her sit in a chair, and then they both serenaded her; Kim with his flirtatious sax and Phil with his sensuous voice. This intimate gesture was a hit with the crowd. The band included James Waters-bass; Alan Smith- keys; and Andre Webb-drums.
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Pieces of a Dream Will Downing
In conclusion, the dynamic songstress Rachelle Ferrell closed the show. She entered the stage in a zone of eclectic demeanor and mystic. The crowd had to warm up to her musical delivery on this evening, but they quickly connected when she performed My Funny Valentine, Autumn Leaves and Where Is God In Your Life. She was backed by the musical support of Brandon Colemankeys/piano; Billy Odham- guitar; Ricardo Jordon- drums; and Darrell Freeman- bass.
THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE JAN 2015
We truly enjoyed this classy fundraising gala, and we invite you to join us next year, where Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Marcus Johnson, El Debarge, Boney James, Rick Braun, Richard Elliott, Maysa, Paul Taylor, and Jackeim Joyner will help raise money for the Jazz Legacy Foundation.
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To help this organization accomplish their goals, please visit their website to purchase tickets, donate, sponsor, or support:
Fuzz Band
www.jazzlegacyfoundation.org
Barbara Ciara
Jay Lamont
Patrice Rushen
photo by Thirdiimage
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Bridgett Bell, Monica Eaves, Kim Waters, Melody Warren,Tracy Malafarina
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Houston’s Jazz Scene Houston Jazz TV FRIDAYS @ 11 p.m.
Executive Producer—Guy Michaels With Host—Bobby Lyle
Comcast 17 AT&T U-verse 99 TVMaX 95 Sudden Link 99 Phonoscope 75
Just Took a Major Hit! The Jazz Suite
with Jeff Kelley Weekdays 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
The Guy Michaels Morning Show Weekdays 7—11 a.m.
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PHOTO VISIONS BY HEIDI
THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE JAN 2015
http://photovisionsbyheidi.smugmug.com
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Girls & Guys Love Arts & Music (GLAM) is an organization for young girls and boys that is dedicated to the jazz and arts community.
GLAM 路
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GIRLS & GUYS LOVE ARTS & MUSIC
If you are interested in partnering with us, please email us at info@glammee.org
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