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IN M.E.E. M A G A Z I N E
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2015
A fusion of jazz, fashion and art, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine is the premiere source for the jazz industry and 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.
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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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Contents Editor’s Notes of Jazz
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Camille Thurman’s
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Gregory Porter
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The 57th Jazz Grammy Awards Love Affair With Jazz
The Total Musical Package Ann Nesby “Living My Life” Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren Contributing Writers Carolyn Beverly Peter Böhi Anthony Cheney Monica Murphy Eaves
Katherine Gilraine Syrone Harvey Sharon Rae North Angela P. Moore-Thorpe
Contributing Photographers Peter Böhi Willie Chu Mikey Cohen Jack Cohen
Christian Nordström Heidi Powell Prera David Spagnolo
Cover Image Christian Nordström 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
Jeff Golub
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Grand Opening
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Universal Groove
Will Donato
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The SuperCruise
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A Tribute
Spaghettini & The Dave Koz Lounge
Tip Jar
The Experienced Jazz Cruiser’s Guide to Jazz Cruising
Under The Sign With M.E.E.
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M.E.E. Art Gallery
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Eric Darius
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Houston Spotlight
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The Melody In M.E.E.
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Guy Sheppard
Retro Forward
Smooth Jazz On My Mind SARDAA
NAMM 2015 Wishing On Love
Melina
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Swag M.E.E
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Jazz Watch
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Gospel In M.E.E.
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The New ESpot Lounge
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Ann Nesby
All rights reserved by Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. & THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.
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Grand Opening
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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
COVER STORY
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2015
Melody Warren, Editor-In-Chief
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BEST IMPROVISED JAZZ SOLO Fingerprints Chick Corea, soloist Track from: Trilogy (Chick Corea Trio) Label: Concord Jazz
BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM Beautiful Life Dianne Reeves Label: Concord Records
BEST JAZZ INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM Trilogy Chick Corea Trio Label: Concord Jazz
BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE Jesus Children Robert Glasper Experiment Featuring Lalah Hathaway & Malcolm-Jamal Warner Track from: Black Radio 2 Label: Blue Note Records
BEST LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE ALBUM Life In The Bubble Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Label: Telarc International
BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM
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The Offense Of The Drum Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra Label: Motema
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ARE YOU WITH M.E.E.? SUBSCRIBE TO M.E.E. 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 and 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 present artists. ADVERTISE WITH M.E.E. Join us! Advertise your business and display your brand to jazz followers across the globe. Let us help you find your target market! This is an excellent opportunity for maximum exposure to artists, musicians, festivals, radio, internet stations, jazz business supporters and enthusiasts within the jazz community. Let us promote your brand, festival, or event with an effective targeted marketing campaign. LET M.E.E. BLAST YOU Our email blast service affords you the luxury of having leads, new clients and fans driven directly to you. We can e-blast your brand, event, product or service directly to our active M.E.E. network subscribers.
THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2015
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LET M.E.E. PROMOTE YOU Our artist promotion packages range from 15, 30, 60, and 90 day plans. We also build social networking and marketing campaigns. LET M.E.E. SHAPE YOUR IMAGE Through EPK, press releases, and targeted photo shoots, our job is to continually generate positive publicity all while developing a strategic marketing plan. PARTNER WITH M.E.E. Partner with us and let M.E.E. bring the jazz enthusiasts to your destination. Whether it’s a festival, cruise, or event, let M.E.E. assist you in adding a fun, engaging and informative jazz crowd through an effective targeted marketing campaign. HELP M.E.E. SUPPORT GLAM Join us in supporting Girls & Guys Love Arts and Music (GLAM). GLAM is a non-profit organization striving to advance education and exposure to these innovative art forms, promote musical and artistic performances, sculpt new au-
diences and develop a new fan base.
Take advantage of our services and opportunities. Email us at info@thejazzinmee, give us a call at 281-2608469, or visit our website at www.jazzinmee.com.
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JAZZ FESTIVAL
& TASTE OF THE BASH M AY 2 4 , 2 0 1 5
OSO VIEJO PARK
MISSION VIEJO, CA
A one-of-a-kind event with more than 30 contemporary jazz all-stars playing together to support Orange County’s community radio station, KSBR 88.5. Event includes the Taste of the Bash showcasing more than 20 of Orange County’s favorite restaurants and wineries. The tastings are included in the price of admission!
Sunday, May 24, 2015 n The Village Green of Oso Viejo Park, Mission Viejo n Taste of the Bash 3:30pm-5pm, concert begins at 5pm n Music, Food & Fun! n
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For tickets: WWW.KSBR.ORG or call (949) 582-4501
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE APR 2015
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by Melody Warren
F
rom neighborhood boutique hotels to luxury five-star hotels, and five diamond retreats, it’s easy to fall in love with Beverly Hills. There is now another unique jewel added to enhance your Beverly Hills musical and dining experience when you visit. Spaghettini & The Dave Koz Lounge formally opened on Monday, January 26, 2015, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Canon Drive with Beverly Hill’s Mayor Lili Bosse
and the Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant and lounge will elevate the fine dining and live music experience, offering guests sophisticated, California food with Italian sensibilities, followed by world-class entertainment in a state-of-the-art music venue. Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros, owners of Spaghettini in Seal Beach, in alliance with esteemed saxophonist Dave Koz, are behind Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge.
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such illustrious and respected musicians, Dave Koz, Matt Goss, Eric Benét, Gerald Albright, Tower of Power, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Lattimore, Eric Marienthal, Terry Steele, Mindi Abair, Michael Lington, and Larry Carlton,with many others on the calendar. When you jet set to Beverly Hills, it’s a must to visit Spaghettini & The Dave Koz Lounge to experience this fantastic new venue. To make reservations call: (310) 424-4600, or on their website: www.spaghettinibh.com.
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To make sure that this venture would be award winning, Dave Koz together with Executive Chef Scott Howard delivered the perfect menu to collaborate with the exquisite musical cast, alongside the talented Executive Pastry Chef Adrian Arandela, Chef de Cuisine Mateo Rogers, and Executive Sous Chef Ben Hall. Executive Chef Scott Howard works with only the finest available local and seasonal ingredients, offering starters, salads, pastas, and entrées from the “ocean” and “land” that rotate to reflect the seasons and improvisations of the chef. Spaghettini & the Dave Koz Lounge is open for dinner nightly, and features live music five days per week, including during Sunday brunch with 94.7 THE WAVE broadcasting live. The new restaurant and lounge has seen performances to date from
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THE NEW E. SPOT LOUNGE GRAND OPENING
Mikey Cohen, Shelia E.
by Melody Warren Shelia E.
The new E Spot Lounge in Studio City is officially open. The Grand Opening was celebrated on Friday, January 30 through February 1, 2015, and is the new venture of Sheila E., the multifaceted drummer, percussionist, vocalist, songwriter, performer, arranger, producer, composer, instrumentalist and humanitarian. Sheila E has performed with such major stars as Prince, Ringo Starr, Beyoncé, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, and many others.
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For more information about the upcoming performances at The E Spot, please visit: www.vitellosjazz.com.
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The brand new lounge occupies the space formerly known as Upstairs at Vitello’s in Studio City, CA, and is located at 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604. On Friday and Saturday, Sheila E performed songs from her recent album titled “Icon” as well as hit songs to a sold out star studded crowd. Some of her guests included Justin Chambers, Jack Coleman, Jim Pickens, Angela Bassett, Tasha Smith, Peter Michael Escovedo ,Verdine White, Juanita Escovedo, and Pete Escovedo. Future events will include Gordon Campbell presents “Higher”, Cecilia Noel, Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra, Rodrigo Guzman Salsa Thursdays, Jazz in Pink All-Star Female Band, Poncho Sanchez, Triple Threat among others.
photos by Smooth Jazz Live - Mikey Cohen
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