July 2003 Archives

Lizz Wright and Roy Hargrove Sweepstakes

There is still time to enter the sweepstakes to win a trip to New York City and concert tickets for Lizz Wright (ends 8/13) and Roy Hargrove (ends 8/25). The ever so cool j-notes logo appears on each contest page. I am honored. Roy Hargrove and RH Factor will be funking up Yoshi's from August 14 to 17. I cannot wait!

Telluride Jazz Celebration - August 1-3, 2003

Honoring former board advisor to the festival, Herbie Mann, the Telluride Jazz Celebration is one of the most unique and enjoyable festivals in the U.S. This year's lineup includes: Guest of Honor, Cedar Walton; John Scofield Band; Kenny Garrett; Jane Bunnett & Spirits of Havana; Karrin Allyson; Kevin Mahogany; Larry Coryell; Chuchito Valdes; Leroy Jones; Astral Project; DJ Logic; Robert Walter's 20th Congress; LA's Washington Prep Gospel Chorus; Black Frames; Mariachi Nuevo Mexico; and as always, The Telluride All-Stars. Please see the www.telluridejazz.com website for more information.

Oakland 3rd Annual Art and Soul Festival - August 30, 31 & September 1

Reggae singer Ziggy Marley headlines the Plaza Stage on Sunday, August 31, presented by KFOG 104.5 FM. R&B/Jazz vocalist Rachelle Ferrell will be performing on Monday, September 1 with special guest, her brother Russ Barnes.

The Oakland Art & Soul Festival expands to all three days of Labor Day weekend! August 30, 31 & September 1, 2003.

Groove to live rock, blues, jazz, gospel and more on five big stages; stroll through eclectic artisan booths; savor exotic international foods; frolic in the festive family fun zone; enjoy readings by acclaimed authors; and celebrate cultural diversity at the City of Oakland's 3rd Annual Art & Soul.

Keep checking the festival website for updates and detailed music lineup.

Okay, my arm was twisted so I am joining BlogCritics and have added their logo to my site. Please checkout my debut feature story on jazz vocalist René Marie and leave me a little love. Special thanks to Mike from Move the Crowd for encouraging me to follow him over there.

The 9th Annual North Beach Jazz Festival in SF starts today and runs through Sunday, August 3.

The Grand Opening Night Gala of "JAZZ ON GRANT" is a tribute to North Beach's glorious past when jazz spilled out of the streets from every corner shop. Restaurant, Bars & cafes all along Grant Avenue and the neighborhood at large, will open their doors and spotlight local jazz musicians in this block party-style kickoff celebration. All of tonight's events are free.

Below are my very first music reviews written in 2001. I recently found them and wanted to share them because these are both great albums.

Shirley Horn - You?re My Thrill

It has been written ?songs are happy when Shirley sings them? and that is certainly true on You?re My Thrill. Over eight years ago, jazz pianist/vocalist Shirley Horn and producer/composer Johnny Mandel joined forces on the award-winning album, Here?s To Life, which has become a jazz standard. This wonderful tradition has continued in their pairing on this recording. Included on this set are ?The Best Is Yet to Come?, ?The Very Thought of You?, ?I Got Lost In His Arms? and "You?d Better Love Me (While You May)". The highlights of this album are the lush title track, ?You?re My Thrill? and the romantic ?My Heart Stood Still? which rises and swells into a wonderful climax where time literally stands still. In the tradition of Here?s To Life, Shirley and her trio laid down the tracks in advance on all but one of the songs. Johnny created lush orchestrations, which harmonically fill, embellish, and caress each of the songs. Shirley?s vocals are economical yet effective on the ballads and she really swings on the mid-tempos numbers. You?re My Thrill shall truly be a thrill to your heart.

Dianne Reeves ? The Calling Celebrating Sarah Vaughan

On the heels of her Grammy Award Winning Album, In The Moment/Live In Concert, jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves presents, The Calling Celebrating Sarah Vaughan, a musically moving tribute to her mentor, ?The Divine One?, Sarah Vaughan. Backed by a 42-piece orchestra, Dianne takes us on a musical journey than spans over the vast body of Sarah?s music. She has chosen songs that capture Sarah?s musical versatility and Dianne breathes her own unique African, Caribbean and Brazilian rhythms into every note. Included are beautiful renditions of Sarah standards, ?Send In The Clowns?, ?Embraceable You?, ?Fascinating Rhythm?, ?Speak Low? and a bluesy, playful ?I Hadn?t Anyone ?Til You? featuring Clark Terry on ad-lib vocals and trumpet solo. ?I Remember Sarah? pays tribute to Sassy?s bluesy scatting and ?A Chamada? (The Call) homage to the special voice inside of each of us. Pianist/Composer Billy Childs provided the orchestral arrangements and producer/arranger/musician George Duke presided over the production of these timeless treasures. Whether for a long drive or a quiet evening alone, you are sure to hear the calling inside your soul.

The Players

Julian Edwin "Cannonball" Adderley - Alto Saxophone
Miles Davis - Trumpet
Hank Jones - Piano
Sam Jones - Bass
Art Blakey - Drums

The Tracks

1. Autumn Leaves
2. Love For Sale
3. Somethin' Else
4. One For Daddy-O
5. Dancing In The Dark
6. Bangoon*

*Not on the original album.

The Facts

On March 9, 1958, five dynamic forces in jazz came together to record what we now know as one of the most profound recordings in jazz history, Somethin' Else. Each of the players is a leader in their own right and brings their special ingredients to the mix. You can hear Charlie Parker's influence on Cannonball and how it blends so harmoniously with Miles' cool jazz style. This album set the stage for much great music to follow. Cannonball played in Miles' group from 1957-1959. During his tenure, they also collaborated on the classic, Kind of Blue.

In the original liner notes, Leonard Feather gave these closing remarks:

"In closing, perhaps it would be appropriate to point out, for those not familiar with the latest in terminology, that the title number of the Miles Davis original, which also provided the name for this album, is a phrase of praise. And if I may add my personal evaluation, I should like to emphasize that Cannonball and Miles and the whole rhythm section and, indeed, the entire album certainly can be described as "somethin' else."

Enjoy your music!

This could have easily been a Friday Flashback but it was just too good to wait for a Friday. A few months after Sarah Vaughan's death in 1990, Carmen McRae?s recorded Sarah?Dedicated to You. I had this album on cassette until I finally found it on CD last year. Bluebird First Editions recently reissued this classic album with four bonus tracks including "If You Could See Me Now", "Wave", "Embraceable You", and an alternate version of "Sarah." Carmen was lovingly and masterfully backed by the Shirley Horn Trio. Ironically, this wonderful tribute was Carmen's last album.

Bluebird's Release Notes for Sarah Dedicated to You

How many times have you bought music just because the album cover caught your eye? You just looked at the album and said, "now that looks like it is going to be good." In most cases, my intuition has served me well but every now and then, I have been mislead and learned the real meaning of "don't judge a book by its cover." The classic albums have the best covers but, of course, that was during a time when the artists were groomed for success and they were quite stylish.

I recently visited Kirk Whalum's website and found out that his new release, Into My Soul, came out this week. I have been a fan of Kirk Whalum since he was playing with Bob James and on his own early solo projects. His talents on the saxophone shine through whether he is playing pop, soul, jazz or gospel. I looked at the album cover and thought of a quiet place with sunshine, cool breezes, peaceful waters and good music. I have the album on order so you can definitely look forward to a review on it. I just know it is going to be good.

Related Books on Jazz Album Cover Art and Photography

The Great Jazz Day by Charles Graham, et al
Blue Note: Album Cover Art by Graham Marsh, Glyn Callingham
Blue Note 2: The Album Cover Art: The Finest in Jazz Since 1939 by Graham Marsh (Editor), et al
In the Groove: Vintage Record Graphics, 1940-1960 by Eric Kohler, Tony Bennett (Introduction)
For the Record: The Life and Work of Alex Steinweiss by Alex Steinweiss, et al

The Best Blue Note Album in the World...Ever!

I found this superior compilation earlier this year while looking for the music of Stanley Turrentine on half.com. Now the title may sound a little lofty but there is definitely some fine music here from several of the great jazz legends and their contemporaries. If I were ever to teach a Jazz 101 course (don't get any ideas here), this would definitely be recommended listening. The music of the past gives way to the music of today and beyond.

Disc One

1. Song For My Father - Horace Silver
2. Blue Train - John Coltrane
3. Moanin' - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
4. Blues Walk - Lou Donaldson
5. Autumn Leaves - Cannonball Adderley (featuring Miles Davis)
6. Midnight Blue - Kenny Burrell
7. The Sidewinder - Lee Morgan
8. Watermelon Man - Herbie Hancock
9. Amen - Donald Byrd
10. Born To Be Blue - Grant Green (featuring Ike Quebec)

Disc Two

1. Cantaloop - Us3
2. The Turnaround - John Patton
3. Greasy Granny - Charlie Hunter Trio
4. Back At The Chicken Shack - Jimmy Smith (featuring Stanley Turrentine)
5. Soy Califa - Dexter Gordon
6. Girl From Ipanema - Eliane Elias
7. Thinkin' About Your Body - Bobby McFerrin
8. Tupelo Honey - Cassandra Wilson
9. At Last - Lou Rawls & Dianne Reeves
10. Because I Love You - Richard Elliot

The Mulgrew Miller Trio

Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Derrick Hodges - Bass
Karriem Riggins - Drums

Last night, I went to Yoshi's to hear the Mulgrew Miller Trio for $8. It was cheaper than a movie and the trio was outstanding. It was also a live recording which will hopefully be used for one of his future MAXJAZZ albums. Mulgrew opened the set with the Duke Jordan composition "Jordu" and then serenaded us with a slow intro into Cole Porter's "Night and Day" which flowed into a mid-tempo groove. He also moved slowly into "Comes Love" which swelled into a bouncy groove then took us right to Sunday morning with the Duke Ellington composition "Come Sunday." Mulgrew also demonstrated some superb solo piano work on "It's Easy To Remember." Karriem Riggins kept excellent time on the drums showcasing his ability to discern the perfect beats for each movement. Derrick Hodges was great on the upright bass but I would have liked to have heard a few more solos from him. The trio closed with one of Mulgrew's own compositions, "Pressing The Issue", which was filled with spicy Latin rhythms. Mulgrew reminded me a bit of McCoy Tyner in the way that he sang to his keys and kept time with his left foot. He used his piano keys sparingly yet effectively. At any time, he could move from one end of the keys to the other but his melodies came from a center pocket of keys and he played them well.

I first heard Mulgrew on Cassandra Wilson's early recordings. He also played with Betty Carter and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and was one of the founding member of the Tony Williams' Quintet. His latest MAXJAZZ album, The Sequel, was recorded with his band, Wingspan, which he founded 15 years ago. He has his own unique style infused with elements of gospel, rhythm & blues, classical and straight ahead jazz. Read more about Mulgrew on his MAXJAZZ homepage.

Whether she was singing about getting back "Home", or "The Comfort of a Man", or "Feeling Good All Over", or how she "Never Knew Love Like This", or that "Two Hearts" are always better, or feeling that "Sweet Sensation", or watching out for "Pilot Error" for you may need the "Medicine Song" to let you know that you're a "Winner" and "You Can Get Over" whatever ails your heart once you've "Learned to Respect the Power of Love", Stephanie Mills has always made you "Put Your Body in It" and "Feel the Fire" of her music.

When you heard the first 4 drum beats of the song "Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin'", you wondered whether they were playing the radio edit or the extended version. To this day, I still want the 12" vinyl version of this record. Stephanie was widely known for her role as Dorothy in the Broadway production of "The Wiz" for which she received awards and critical acclaim. The album Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin', which was produced by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, showcased her musical versatility. The sensual "Feel The Fire" which she also did with Teddy Pendergrass, was warming up the late nights while "You Can Get Over" and "Put Your Body In It" were burning up the disco dance floors. There were also the ballads "Starlight" and "You and I" rounding out this album. No matter what she sings, her heart, soul and body are in it. Enjoy your music.

Celia Cruz, the Cuban-born singer who went from singing in Havana nightclubs to become the "Queen of Salsa," died Wednesday, her publicist said.

Cruz, who was 77, died of a brain tumor. She had surgery for the ailment in December but her health faltered. She died at her home in Fort Lee, N.J., according to her publicist, Blanca Lasalle.

In the 1950s, Cruz became famous with the legendary Afro-Cuban group La Sonora Matancera. She left Cuba for the United States in 1960, and was credited with bringing salsa music to a broad audience.

Cruz, who recorded more than 70 albums and had more than a dozen Grammy nominations, won best salsa album for "La Negra Tiene Tumbao" at the last year's Latin Grammy Awrds. Among her other best-known recordings are "Yerberito Moreno" and "Que le Den Candela."

Called the "Queen of Salsa" and the "diva of Latin song," Cruz remained energetic late into her career. At last year's Latin Grammys, she showed up wearing a frothy blue-and-white headpiece and a tight red dress and gave a hip-shaking performance.

Cruz's alliance with fellow salsa star Tito Puente garnered her some of the biggest success in her career. In 1987, she was honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and several years later, the city of Miami gave Calle Ocho, the main street of its Cuban community, the honorary name of Celia Cruz Way.

Cruz also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Smithsonian Institution and in 1994, President Clinton honored her with an award from the National Endowment of the Arts.

-The Associated Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
The Urban Gospel Alliance
Curtis Jermany
P.O. Box 5211
Oakland Ca. 94605
510-472-0177

THE URBAN GOSPEL ALLIANCE TO LAUNCH FREE MONTHLY CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE U.S.

OAKLAND CA. The Urban Gospel Alliance recently announced plans for free monthly concerts to be held on a monthly basis throughout the U.S. through various chapters.

Starting in September, chapters in Oakland and Los Angeles CA. as well as St Louis MO, Detroit MI, Houston TX and Newport News VA will host concerts featuring gospel hip hop, Christian jazz, reggae, spoken word, comedy, and urban contemporary gospel music.

Performance opportunities are now available to those willing to expose their ministry outside of their immediate areas.

ABOUT THE UGA

Established to provide a vehicle for alternative gospel artists to give a voice to their ministry, UGA will be a source of encouragement and support for its members, the Urban Gospel Alliance's (UGA) focus will be on the urban market. It will be a forum and platform for all facets of urban gospel music- contemporary gospel, holy hip hop, inspirational, gospel jazz, neo-soul, and reggae.

For more info on the Urban Gospel Alliance or concert locations email Curtis Jermany at crj_lawn@msn.com or call 510-472-0177

SEND YOUR NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS TO OVER 15,000
Call 510-472-0177 or write mail to: crj_lawn@msn.com for details.

www.theGospelZone.com
www.GZemporium.com

  

The moment has come and you are planning a dinner party or a romantic evening for your special someone. Of course, you are serving something a bit more classy than pigs-in-a-blanket and grape Nehi...LOL!!! Oh, but what about the music? What can you play that will set the right atmosphere without putting your guests to sleep (at least not too early!) I have heard music at parties that is often more memorable than the guests. Here are a couple of wonderful compilations that are certain to set the perfect ambiance for your special evening.

Lady Sings The Blues

Capitol Records has put together a spectacular 2-CD collection of 28 smoldering torch songs classics featuring several contemporary jazz singers and legendary chanteuses. The joy of a compilation is that it gives the listener a musical taste of a variety of voices and if you really like an artist(s), you can go and explore their respective body of work.

Disc One

1. Sarah Vaughan: Key Largo
2. Ella Fitzgerald: Solitude
3. Dianne Reeves: Embraceable You
4. Etta James: Don't Go to Strangers
5. Della Reese: Call Me
6. Diana Krall: I'm Just a Lucky So and So
7. Dinah Washington: Call Me Irresponsible
8. June Christy: Something Cool
9. Keely Smith: You Go to My Head
10. Nancy Wilson: The Very Thought of You
11. Dinah Shore: My Funny Valentine
12. Kay Starr: It Had to Be You
13. Rosemary Clooney: One for My Baby
14. Peggy Lee: I'll Be Seeing You

Disc Two

1. Peggy Lee: Here's That Rainy Day
2. Sarah Vaughan: Stormy Weather
3. Dianne Reeves: In a Sentimental Mood
4. Diana Krall: They Can't Take That Away from Me
5. Etta James: Body and Soul
6. Cassandra Wilson: Someday My Prince Will Come
7. Charlie Hunter featuring Norah Jones: More Than This
8. Patricia Barber: The Thrill Is Gone
9. Nancy Wilson: You've Changed
10. Julie London: Cry Me a River
11. June Christy: Don't Explain
12. Rosemary Clooney: Lover Man
13. Keely Smith: I Wish You Love
14. Lena Horne: We'll Be Together Again

The Ultimate Diva Collection: The Diva Series

Verve Records has long been known for cooking up great compilations and this one continues their find tradition of blending the just right musical ingredients to bring you something extra special. This collection of 16 gems is just the icing on the cake. It is a part of Verve's Diva series, dedicated to the greatest female jazz vocalists and their greatest songs.

Artists in the series include Blossom Dearie, Ella Fitzgerald, Astrud Gilberto, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

Tracks

1. How High the Moon - Ella Fitzgerald
2. Lullaby of Birdland - Sarah Vaughan
3. Teach Me Tonight - Dinah Washington
4. Body and Soul - Billie Holiday
5. You Took Advantage of Me - Carmen McRae
6. Peel Me a Grape - Anita O'Day
7. Someone to Watch Over Me - Blossom Dearie
8. Love Me or Leave Me - Nina Simone
9. Come Dance With Me - Shirley Horn
10. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life - Gloria Lynne
11. Fly Me to the Moon - Astrud Gilberto
12. I Don't Know Enough About You - Peggy Lee
13. A Sunday Kind of Love - Etta James
14. It's Crazy - Natalie Cole
15. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To - Helen Merrill
16. It Don't Mean a Thing (if It Ain't Got That Swing) - Ernestine Anderson

July 15: This-or-That Summer Re-run!

1. Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck? - Bugs
2. Tom or Jerry? - Jerry
3. Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck? - Mickey Mouse
4. Rocky & Bullwinkle or Boris & Natasha? - Rocky J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle Moose
5. Road Runner or Wile E. Coyote? - Road Runner.
6. Sylvester or Tweety? - Tweety
7. Popeye or Bluto? - Popeye
8. South Park or The Simpsons? - The Simpsons
9. Jetsons or Flintstones? - Flintstones by a narrow margin
10. And finally, the eternal question asked by all good Scooby-Doo fans: Velma or Daphne? - Daphne

And here is one they forget:

Speed Racer or Racer X? - Speed Racer (my favorite cartoon)

Church: Songs of Soul & Inspiration is a beautiful recording of songs that are drenched in soul, spirit, faith, and a couple of extra cups of love. It opens your heart and fills it with warmth. It takes you to church whether you are sitting on a beach or in rush hour traffic. The inspiration of this music touches you right where you are.

Dr. Maya Angelou delivers the spoken word for this collection of 14 classical, gospel, pop, and R&B songs performed in a gospel style by the leading ladies of music, whose beginnings were in church. The featured songbirds include Jennifer Holliday ("The Wonder of You") , Patti Labelle ("Way Up There"), Stephanie Mills ("Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand"), En Vogue ("How Deep Is Your Love"), Patti Austin ("You Gotta Be"), Shirley Caesar ("His Eye Is On The Sparrow"), Chaka Khan ("Love Me Still"), Denyce Graves ("Ava Maria"), Nnenna Freelon ("Ooh Child"), Dionne Warwick ("What The World Needs Now Is Love"), and Ann Nesby ("A Song for You"). They are harminiously backed by The Fire Choir. This angelic choir is also showcased on "As" and "Way Up There."

The initial seed for this project was planted with mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves when a young fan told her he could hear Church in her voice. She teamed with songwriter/producer Tena Rix Clark to create this magnificient recording. There is also a second CD which includes interviews with each of the performers capturing their early experiences in church and video footage of the recording. The liner notes are beautifully written by Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison.

On a personal note, I had to get this CD after both my sister-in-law and a close friend were in love with it and told me I definitely needed to give it a listen. I am glad that I did.

Read more about this wonderful music on www.churchcd.com.

Update: The 9th Annual North Beach Jazz Festival in SF will be held from July 30 to August 3. I got the facts and their website!

Now through August 3, the San Jose Repetory Theatre presents "Cookin' At The Cookery", a musical celebration of the late blues legend Alberta Hunter.

Jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler will be one of the featured performers at the Oakland Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 27 on the grounds of the Dunsmuir Historic Estate in Oakland.

Update: Singer Erykah Badu will headline the festival which will benefit the Castlemont High School and Elmhurst Middle School music programs.

Cold Stone Creamery will host their second annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social at participating locations nationwide, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with FREE ice cream, family activities and good-natured fun. On July 24th from 5:00 - 8:00pm, guests will be treated to a regular size “Make-A-Wish® Creation™*.” In exchange for the free Creation™, customers are encouraged to make donations to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

The 24th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival will be held July 25-27 in Gilroy, Ca. I went for the first time last year and had a great time. Be sure to try the garlic ice cream. It really was quite tasty.

Legendary alto saxophone player, jazz composer and big band leader Benny Carter has died at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, a spokeswoman for the medical centre said today. He was 95.

Carter, who was credited with breaking Hollywood's colour bar by composing and arranging music for such classic films as Stormy Weather, died early yesterday after a brief illness, according to a statement on his web site (www.bennycarter.com).

"Although physically weak, he remained completely lucid and enjoyed speaking with many of his friends worldwide over the past few weeks," the statement said.

In a career that spanned seven decades, Carter played with such jazz luminaries as pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith, Fats Waller, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie, and even traded notes with amateur saxophonist President Bill Clinton at the White House.

Carter's arrangements were performed by some of the best known jazz big bands, including those led by Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb and Glenn Miller.

- REUTERS

Her voice is timeless. Her beauty and stature were beyond words. Her music is ageless and lives on in our hearts forever. This past Sunday, July 6, sultry vocalist Phyllis Hyman would have been 54 years old. She left us with her legacy of music on June 30, 1995.

Somewhere In My Lifetime was Phyllis' first release on Arista Records in 1978. The album charted #14 on the Black Albums chart and the single of the same name was #12 on the Black Singles chart. I have not played this album in awhile. The mid-tempo songs are nice but I love her ballads. My favorites are "The Answer Is You" which features Onaje Allan Gumbs on piano and the classic standard "Here's That Rainy Day." Other gems included "Kiss You All Over", "Living Inside Your Love", "Gonna Make Changes", and "Be Careful (How You Treat My Love)." Her husband at the time, Larry Alexander, songwriter/producer Skip Scarborough, singer/songwriter/producer Barry Manilow, and T. Life shared the production credits on this magical album. Herbie Hancock and Monty Alexander were among the featured musicians.

I had the pleasure of seeing Phyllis once in concert during the 80's. She was classy, beautiful, and had such a powerful voice. My favorite Phyllis song will always be her remake of The Stylistics "Betcha By Golly Wow" with Norman Connors. Her songs were rich with emotion and feeling. She came along in a group of singers that just set us on fire and could sing no wrong but yet, they had more of a cult following than the mass appeal they so richly deserved. Her peers of the day included Jean Carne and Angela Bofill. Their music is etched in our hearts. Timeless classics that can still be heard in the quiet storm evenings. Enjoy your music.

Phyllis Hyman Discography

Thanks GK!! Welcome home, A.!!

The Oakland Black Expo 2003 is this weekend at the Oakland Convention Center.

Ledisi is definitely on the move this summer. She is playing with Me'Shell NdegéOcello at the Great American Music Hall in SF on Friday, 07/11 and Saturday, 07/12. She will be playing with Rachelle Ferrell at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Friday, 07/25 and with the Yellowjackets at the San Jose Jazz Festival on Saturday, 08/09. She will also be teaching another vocal seminar on Saturday, 08/16 at The Jazzschool in Berkeley. I got my CD's signed and took photos with her when she was at Rasputin Music in Berkeley last Saturday. She was so much fun.

Pianist Geoffrey Keezer will be playing at The Jazzschool tonight. He will be playing songs from his new release, Sublime: Honoring the Music of Hank Jones. I saw him earlier this year with Christian McBride and he is a great improvisationist. Saxophonist Dave Ellis will be playing at The Jazzschool on Sunday afternoon. The Berkeley native will be playing songs from his new release, State of Mind.

Does anyone know if there is going to be a North Beach Jazz Festival this year? Their website is down and I have not seen any listings for the event.

Pete Escovedo and his Orchestra will be at Yoshi's this weekend. He's Sheila E's dad. Upcoming shows include Joey DeFrancesco with Dr. Lonnie Liston Smith, Mulgrew Miller Trio, Kenny Burrell Quintet, Bob James Quartet, Pharoah Sanders Quartet, Gato Barbieri, Greg Osby Four, Roy Hargrove & The RH Factor, SoVoSó, and Oscar Peterson. If they keep this up, I will just have to sign my paycheck over or get a job there.

The Jazz Institute of Chicago has finally posted schedule for the Chicago Jazz Festival 2003 which runs from August 28-31. Highlights of the festival include the Branford Marsalis Quartet and "The Message Lives: A Tribute to Art Blakey" featuring: The Jazz Messenger Alumni All-Stars: Terence Blanchard, Curtis Fuller, Bobby Watson, Branford Marsalis, Cedar Walton, Peter Washington and Winard Harper. The McCoy Tyner Big Band will be closing the festival.

Vocalist Clairdee will be making her only Bay Area performance this summer, Sunday, July 27, at the Jazzschool in Berkeley. This special concert is dedicated to the incomparable Nat "King" Cole, who led one of the most influential jazz trios in history and went on to become one of America's most beloved song stylists. Seating is limited, so please call ahead for your tickets at 510-845-5373.

The joy of really good music is that word about it spreads quickly and Kem's debut release Kemistry is musical proof of that. Several people asked me about and even sent me the website before I had chance to pickup this album. He can be easily compared to Al Jarreau with his sound and vocalization but he brings some fresh qualities to his music. He sings about love, life, faith, hopes, and dreams. He leaves the listener room to embrace the song in our own lives. He is romantic and sensual without being graphic which is definitely a quality reminiscent of years gone by.

Born in Nashville and raised in Detroit, Kem is a self-taught musician and his vocal range spans 4 octaves. He began playing piano at an early age at his grandparent's house. He can mimic many instrumental sounds with his mouth and hands. After much perseverance, he finally quit his job to pursue his dreams of making music full-time. He sold 10,000 albums on his own label which caught the interest of Motown Records. He still sings with his church choir on Sundays.

This collection of melodies includes "Matter of Time", "Say", "Miss You", "Love Calls", "This Place", "You Are" and "Brotha Man." His songs are powerful and filled with love and spirit. Kemistry has been at the top of my list for good music to fall asleep by for a few weeks. I am sure it will set the mood for your evenings as well.

From EURWEB:

The day before the passing of Barry White, black music lost another great. Songwriter/producer Skip Scarborough, who wrote or co-wrote such '70s hits as "Love Ballad," a hit for L.T.D., "Can't Hide Love" and "Love's Holiday" recorded by Earth, Wind and Fire, "Lovely Day" for Bill Withers and "Don't Ask My Neighbor" for the Emotions, lost his battle with cancer in Los Angeles.

A writer who specialized in writing sultry songs equipped with tasty, colorful chord structure, Scarborough, who played piano, kept a low profile as he crafted classic songs for artists as diverse as Mother's Finest ("Love Changes"), Phyllis Hyman ("The Answer Is You") and Anita Baker ("Giving You The Best That I've Got"), not to mention producing the 70s albums of the group Con Funk Shun.

Scarborough, who produced flutist Bobby Humphrey's 1977 LP "Tailor Made," also produced Patti LaBelle and Nancy Wilson. For a time the singer was married to singer Alton McClain. The two met when Scarborough wrote and produced McClain's group, Alton McClain and Destiny.

I braved the really cool San Francisco summer weather on Sunday to attend the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival. There were plenty of street vendors, food, and good music along the 12-block stretch of the festival. The highlight of the festival for me was seeing Brenda Boykin bringing us her jazz, blues, and whole lot of soul. The lyrics above came from closing song, "Big Fine Woman." I definitely look forward to seeing her again in a warmer venue soon.

The music of Barry White shaped our lives. If you were courting or even conceived in the 70's, it was very likely that his honey-bass voice and rich orchestrations were setting the mood. From 1973 to 1978, he dominated the black, pop, and even disco music charts with such hits as "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby", "I've Got So Much To Give", "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up", "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe", "You're The First, The Last, My Everything" and "It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me." In 1994, he another #1 hit with "Practice What You Preach" and in 1999, he finally received two long overdue Grammy awards for his Staying Power album. His music was sensual, sensual, and seductive but not sleezy. He set the stage for love without undressing it. He was triple threat with his solo work, with the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and with the Love Unlimited singers.

In Barry's liner notes from his All-Time Greatest Hits album he said:

"The mistress," he says, referring back to his music, "can never be satisfied. That's because the mistress is music. Lady Music is the woman I'm trying to please. She keeps me up, has me obsessed, drives me crazy. She's real, and she isn't. She's pure. She say, 'I'll come to you in any, I'll be anything you want, anything you can create, whatever you imagine.' She never stops beckoning, never stops demanding. A curse and a blessing, a whore and a saint, a witch and a goddess, my joy and my frustration."

Sho' you right!!!

The year was 1989 and I was 25 when my friend Vanessa loaned me her cassette of jazz pianist Joe Sample's album, Spellbound. It was a special time for me because I was preparing to move into my first apartment. I instantly loved "Seven Years of Good Luck" and it is still one of my favorite songs along with "Burning Up The Carnival" from Voice in the Rain. In addition to Sample's masterful piano, there are excellent vocal contributions from Take 6 on "U Turn", Michael Franks on "Leading Me Back To You" and Al Jarreau on "Somehow Our Love Survives." The beautiful instrumental "All God's Children" from this album later appeared on his The Song Lives On album as "Come Along With Me" featuring Lalah Hathaway on vocals. Other tracks include the title track "Spellbound", "Looking Glass", "Sermonized", "Luna En New York" and "Bones Jive."

I have always been fascinated how Sample showcases outstanding vocalists on his albums. He has featured Phyllis Hyman, Flora Purim, Randy Crawford, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Lalah Hathaway, Lizz Wright, and Howard Hewett. There are also some outstanding musicians lending a hand on Spellbound including Omar Hakim on drums, Marcus Miller and Nathan East on bass, Lenny Castro on percussion, and Jerry Hey on synthesizer arrangements.

The last time I saw him in concert was in 1999 with Lalah Hathaway at Yoshi's. I was seating right behind him while he played and he was amazing. He and Lalah blended so well together. I am looking forward to seeing him later this summer at the Monterey Jazz Festival with The Crusaders and special guest vocalist Randy Crawford. Enjoy your music and have a safe holiday weekend.

Additional Joe Sample Albums

Rainbow Seeker (1978)
Carmel (1979)
Voice in the Rain (1981)
Oasis (1985)
Ashes to Ashes (1990)
Collection (1991)
Invitation (1993)
Old Places, New Faces (1996)
Sample This (1997)
The Best of Joe Sample (1998)
The Song Lives On featuring Lalah Hathaway (1999)
The Pecan Tree (2002)

Ledisi will be performing with Oakland East Symphony on Friday, July 4 at 7:45pm at Jack London Square in Oakland. She will also be signing albums on Saturday, July 5 at 1pm at the Rasputin Music in Berkeley.

My letter to the editor in the St. Louis Riverfront Times voicing the importance of the independent record stores.

I received an email from a friend with a list of artists that are definitely worth checking out. Some of them you are already know and others, you need to know.

I thank everyone who made my 40th birthday a very special day. Whether, it was lunch, dinner, a phone call, a card, a blog entry or a comment, I am very grateful for you being in my life and sharing this moment.

My birthday was restful and fun. We went to The View for drinks which has a wonderful view overlooking San Francisco from the 39th floor of the San Francisco Marriott. We then went to dinner at Maya which specializes in modern Mexican cuisine. The dinner and dessert were wonderful. Great chips and guacamole too!

The rest of the weekend was laid back. Birthday presents to self included a few needed items from IKEA and I purchased my first DVD player. Okay, stop laughing and welcome me into the new millennium.

On Monday, I had lunch with the ever so knowledgeable George and later did a little biking in the neighborhood. Biking 6 miles is so much easier in the morning than in the evening but I am determined to conquer the hills this summer.