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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE OCT 2016
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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 present artists.
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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren Contributing Writers Sheryl Aronson Chris Becker Mikey Adam Cohen Monica Murphy Eaves
Patricia Hall Syrone Harvey Sharon Rae North Narrio Wright
Contributing Photographers Danny Austin Pelle Piano Melissa Castro Heidi Powell Prera Tom Keller Lori Stoll Siphiwe Mhlambi Minerva Wallace Christian Nordström Narrio Wright
Celebrating Najee: 30 Years in the Industry
Editor’s Notes of Jazz
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Swag M.E.E.
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Kim Scott
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Jessy J
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Southern Heat California Christmas
COVER STORY
Cover Image Pelle Piano
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Design & Layout Tonya D. Wright Jereme Brown
Keiko Matsui
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Tip Jar
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Vincent Ingala
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Paul Taylor
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David McLorren
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Karen Briggs
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M.E.E. Art Gallery
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Althea Rene
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ThunderSOUL Orchestra
Houston Spotlight
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Warren Hill
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R.A.D.S
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Jazz Watch
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The Melody in M.E.E.
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Are You With M.E.E.
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Journey to the Heart
Copy Editor Dominique Tavier
From the Listener
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Life Happens...But Music is on Purpose 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
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Blowing Her Flute
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NAJEE
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Have Keyboard Will Travel
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THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE OCT 2016
EDITORS NOTES OF JAZZ Two-time Grammy Nominated and award-winning international jazz saxophonist and flautist, Najee, is celebrating his 30th year anniversary in the music industry, since releasing his platinum debut “Najee’s Theme”, in August 1986, (Capitol/EMI). Since his first release, Najee has recorded 16 albums to date, and has earned 3 platinum albums, six #1 albums on Billboard, and winner of two Soul Train Music Awards for “Best Jazz Album”. His recent album “You, Me, and Forever”, (third release on Shanachie Entertainment), is produced by Najee, and has reached #1 Most Added album on the Smooth Jazz charts and the lead single “Fly With The Wind” reached #1 Single on Billboard jazz charts. Najee believes his albums represents who he is as an artist, through his experiences in music.
Throughout his career, Najee has recorded and performed with Prince, Chaka Khan, Freddie Jackson, Will Downing, Patti Labelle, Phyllis Hyman, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, and Stanley Clarke to name a few. Celebrations surrounding the anniversary will continue throughout the summer, concluding in New York City and Atlanta. As Najee reflects on his major milestone, “I’m truly blessed to have longevity in the genre of jazz. I could have never imagined that 30 years later, I would have an illustrious career. When I started in this business, I took my horn everywhere and had no idea where it would take me...but now I take my horn everywhere around the world.” “You, Me, and Forever” is available digitally worldwide. For tour information please visit: www.najeeofficial.com. — Musically Yours
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Born in the Greenwich Village in New York City and raised in Jamaica, Queens; an alumnus of the New England Conservatory of Music, Najee was mentored by jazz greats Frank Foster and Jimmy Heath, as well as classical maven and flutist Harold Jones of the New York Philharmonic. When he emerged onto the scene with his soulful R&B, and jazz fused sound, with songs such as “Najee’s Theme,” “Sweet Love” and “Betcha Don’t Know,” it was not long before Najee’s trademark soprano saxophone found a place at the top of the charts, and with his own unique niche that changed the musical landscape for years to come. As he states, “I grateful for
my family, my fans, and in particular my brother and manager Fareed, who without his belief in me, I would not be where I am today. As it was he, who recommended I switch from tenor to soprano saxophone when I began recording Najee’s Theme. If I did not take his advice, I’m not sure how successful the album would be nor if a 30 year career would have manifested.”
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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.
THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE OCT 2016
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