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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2016
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.
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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 present artists.
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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren Contributing Writers Sheryl Aronson Chris Becker Mikey Adam Cohen Monica Murphy Eaves Pat Hall
Syrone Harvey Angela P. Moore Sharon Rae North Tonya D. Wright
Contributing Photographers Tracey McIntyre Bautista Heidi Powell Prera Mikey Adam Cohen WBTY Republican Jack Cohen Helen Taylor Ken Kiefer Bill Thomas Francis LaMonica
contents
Editor’s Notes of Jazz
Love Jazz & Romance featuring Brian Culbertson with Avery Sunshine & Eric Darius
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Chris “Dog” Davis
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Blazing a Trail through Smooth Jazz
Swag M.E.E
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Frank Piombo
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The Night Speaks
Cover Image Mikey Adam Cohen Design & Layout Tonya D. Wright Jereme Brown Copy Editor Dominique Tavier THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. P.O. Box 683184 Houston, Texas 77268 281-260-8469 info@thejazzinmee.com www.thejazzinmee.com
COVER STORY
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M.E.E. Art Gallery
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Mindi Abair
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Tip Jar
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Dwan Bosman
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A Word From The Radio
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Gail Jhonson
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Houston Spotlight
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NAMM Show 20th Anniversary of Cannonball Musical Instruments
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Jazz Watch
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Are You With M.E.E.
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Mikey Adam Cohen
Launches Her New Theo Wanne Mouthpiece
Public Relations Great Scott P.R.oductions
Sax Attack
106.7 The Bridge
Hands Up For A New Beginning
Preston Smith
Jacqui Sutton & Melody Warren
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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Melody Warren
The “Melody” Behind The Jazz In M.E.E Melody Warren Editor
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2016
MELODY WARREN & BRIAN CULBERTSON
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alentine's Valentine’s day was very special, rare and a beautiful experience this year at the Wortham theater in downtown Houston.The extraordinarily talented Brian Culbertson genuinely moved the audience with an engaging musical performance. This awesome Jazz musician is a master of several instruments including the synthesizer and trombone. The show opened with the melodic Avery Sunshine and her powerful vocals. Her energy was dynamic and her vibe totally mesmerizing. Throughout her performance, the audience were on their feet clapping continuously. When she delivered her rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, people were so moved that they were hugging and giving her a standing ovation simultaneously. Eric Darius and his engaging alto sax followed Avery. His energy on stage is paramount and truly unforgettable. He is an
incredible entertainer, and he was all over the stage, moving, dancing, and finally making his way into the audience where he serenaded jazz fans giving them the perfect photo opportunity. He was musically addictive and the audience was really into him. After a short intermission, Brian Culbertson and his band took control of the stage for the next 2 hours. He slayed his performance to thunderous applause from the audience. He gave a heartfelt tribute to Maurice White, of Earth, Wind, and Fire, and jammed the night away to many of his popular songs. He was warm and appreciative the audience, and offered a wide range of sound and rhythms. Just before exiting the stage, he thanked the fans, and announced that he hoped to see everyone again in Napa Valley, where he is having his own Napa Valley Jazz Festival in June. He also announced that he was feeling the “funk” and he would be releasing another “funk” album soon.
ERIC DARIUS, GEROME ALEN
MARQUEAL JORDAN, RODNEY JONES JR.
BRIAN CULBERTSON, MARQUEAL JORDAN
The fans called him back for two encores, before he finally said good-bye. After the show all of the artists and musicians were very gracious to their fans and media, posing for photographs and enjoying the full Houston,Texas experience. Jazz Fan Rayna Pearson had this to say about her “ Love, Jazz and Romance” experience. “ It was an awesome show and it was exciting to see all the couples that came out to this concert. Avery Sunshine’s voice was fascinating and Eric Darius high energy, playfulness, and interaction with the crowd made it fun. This was my very first time Brian Culbertson perform and hands down he can play the heck out of a piano, and I was in awe with his solo piano performances. The band and Marqueal Jordan did a fantastic job. I loved how they closed out the show with a tribute to Maurice White from Earth Wind & Fire”.
— Musically Yours
ERIC DARIUS AND FAN
AVERY SUNSHINE
BRIAN CULBERTSON AND FAN
JEFF KELLY AND BRIAN CULBERTSON
MARQUEAL JORDAN, BRIAN CULBERTSON
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photos by Heidi Powell-Prera
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2016
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2016
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Jessy J was spotted showing her swag. Send us pics of you in our swag and we may show your photo in our next issue! Melody Warren and Jessy J
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JULY 2014
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE APR 2016
NICK COLLIONNE
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APRIL 2015
JEFF GOLUB (BRIAN CULBERTSON PICTURED)
OCTOBER 2014
JANUARY 2015
MATT MARSHAK
THERESA GRAYSON
OCTOBER 2015 MAYSA
photo by Grant Foto
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