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IN M.E.E. M A G A Z I N E
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE OCT 2015
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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 industry. 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.
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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren Contributing Writers Peter Böhi Monica Murphy Eaves Katherine Gilraine
contents
Syrone Harvey Sharon Rae North Herb Partlow
Contributing Photographers Christian Nordström Peter Böhi Claudelle Photography Mikey Cohen Heidi Powell Prera Jack Cohen Lena Ringstad Michael Harvey Bill Thomas Randee St. Nicholas
Editor’s Notes of Jazz
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COVER STORY Back 2 Love
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Swag M.E.E
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Smooth Jazz Festival
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Chocolate Drops
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Tip Jar: Herb Partlow
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M.E.E. Art Gallery
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Houston Spotlight
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Serious Sounds at Club Tequila
Cover Image Roy Cox
Maysa
Design & Layout Tonya D. Wright Jereme Brown Copy Editor Dominique Tavier
Mallorca 2015
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. P.O. Box 683184 Houston, Texas 77268 281-260-8469 info@thejazzinmee.com www.thejazzinmee.com
Will Downing
Mixing & Mastering
photo by Smooth Jazz Live
Oscar Lester
Vel Lewis
Smooth Jazz New York
Smooth Jazz New York Summer Series
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KSBR
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The Melody In M.E.E. Jazz Watch
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Are You With M.E.E.
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27th Annual Birthday Bash
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 All rights reserved by Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. & THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.
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In The Jazzy Limelight
Melissa Manchester
Grace Kelly
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THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE OCT 2015
Jarrod Lawson
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Melody Warren and Maysa
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erious Sounds in collaboration with Club Tequila delivered a stellar night of music featuring recording artists Will Downing, Maysa and Jarrod Lawson.These artists left their musical footprint in the hearts of Houstonians during their entertaining performance May 21, 2015. It was an exceptional way to kick off a holiday weekend in melodic style. It was a sultry, sexy and exciting atmosphere filled with adoring fans.
May sa, W ill Do wnin g, a nd C aroly n Be verly
began the business in 1991 and has survived. The long time business owner contributes her longevity to her loyal customer support base in southeast Houston. Serious Sounds is located at 6364 Martin Luther King Dr. Houston, TX 713.738.8273 Club Tequila is Houston's nicest multi-purpose venue that comfortably accommodates the standers, the sitters & the dancers alike. All with amazing staging, sound & lights to add to the atmosphere. You won't be disappointed with this enjoyable live concert space, so come on out and experience exceptional treatment in the lavish yet intimate surroundings of Club Tequila Urban. http://www.clubtequilahouston.com. Stay tuned for more musical gatherings hosted by Serious Sounds. A real Record Store catering to music lovers for over 20 yrs. http://www.serioussoundsetc.com — Musically Yours,
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As always, Maysa captivated the crowd with her unique and identifiable vocal sounds and stylistic range. This Grammy-nominated Soul/Jazz Diva celebrates her 20th year as a solo artist and she showed she is one the best in the business. New comer Jarrod Lawson was a special musical treat. Whether he sings and plays funk, folk, R&B, rock or jazz—as has been said many times—“everything he touches turns to soul.” He sings from his integrity and spirituality, passion and compassion, empathy and sympathy…in other words, his own soul. Houston’s own vocalist Andre James was a fun and engaging host that kept the show interesting. Marketta Rodriguez and her team did an amazing job bringing world class talent to the Lone Star State. Serious Sounds is a small record store in southeast Houston. Despite the big Best Buys or the Walmart stores, Serious has endured. The business is owned by Marketta Rodriguez. She
Will Downing
In his two-decade recording career, the Brooklyn native has carved for himself a solid career. Will Downing has established himself as one of the most consistent, soulful singers of his era. Downing is known in the contemporary jazz and R&B music genres for his rich baritone vocals, and his interpretations of R&B and pop classics that stretch back to the early 1980s. He was on fire in Houston and we loved it.
Andre James
Maysa Jarro d La wso n an d Gia nna W elling
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photo by Thirdiimage
SWAG JAZZ SHIRTS Small to XL................$30 2X, 3X........................$35
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Alvin Keels, Marcus Johnson, Jeri Horne were spotted showing their swag. Send us pics of you in our swag and we may show your photo in our next issue!
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Available in black and white
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‘Kwaw’ Oscar Lester, also known as ‘Triple Blak’, is a visual artist, poet, and art educator based in Chicago, Illinois. His work depicts all aspects of African and African American cultural expression and centers around figurative representations of people of color. Bold vibrant hues, larger than life portrayals, and enigmatic facial expressions are hallmarks of this interesting and engaging work; whose content speaks to African existence throughout the Diaspora, including but not limited to depictions of continental
Africans as well as African American celebrities, political figures, and everyday people. Mr. Lester’s work is both dynamic and provocative. His colorful oil on canvas renderings convey an attention to detail and level of empathy for the subject matter that is nothing short of remarkable. www.oscar-lester.artistwebsites.com tripleblakenterprises@gmail.com facebook.com/3plebakart
Jason and Cliff Gorov
Rocco Ventrella
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE OCT 2015
Yolanda Rabun
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Cora Dunham
Blu J’z Fresno J. Anton Boykin
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THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE OCT 2015
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