"I Remember Sky"
Composed by Stephen Sondheim
Sung by Dianne Reeves
From the I Remember album

I remember sky
It was blue as ink
Or at least I think
I remember sky

I remember snow
Soft as feathers
Sharp as thumb tacks
Coming down like lint
And it made you squint
When the wind would blow

And ice like vinyl
On the streets
Cold as silver
White as sheets
Rain like strings
And changing things
Like leaves

I remember leaves
Green as spearmint
Crisp as paper
I remember trees
Bare as coat racks
Spread like broken umbrellas

And parks and bridges
Ponds and zoos
Ruddy faces
Muddy shoes
And light and noise and
Bees and boys
And days

I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're a sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky

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I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. My family and I are sending our biggest love to our mom!

Once again, Christmas has rolled around and I still have a ton of stuff to do. My Christmas cards are spread all over the table, I need to go to the grocery store, and cook dinner. Oh yeah, I even hope to get a Christmas music radio blog done... tonight!

Much love always,

James

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Award-winning and platinum-selling music producer, musician and songwriter Narada Michael Walden will present The Spirit of Giving, a concert featuring a number of his friends and colleagues, including Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and Bonnie Hayes.

Other musicians performing at The Spirit of Giving include:
- R&B and dance hit singer Jeanie Tracy, who was one of Sylvester’s back-up singers along with Martha Wash and Izora Armstead.
- Canadian singer Naomi Striemer, whose 2006 CD Images was produced by Walden. Carlos Santana plays on the CD’s single, “Cars.”
- Percussionist Karma Moffett, whose music features Tibetan Singing Bowls, Tibetan Longhorns, Hand Bells, Tingsha Cymbals, Conch Shells, Drums, and Bone Horn Trumpets.
- Jazz bassist Troy Lamkpins.
- Pianist and vocalist Tina Malia, who has been compared to such legendary female artists as Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLaughlin, and Loreena McKennitt.

The show will be a tribute to Angela Bofill. Bofill scored several dance hits in the 1970s and 80s, such as "Angel of the Night," and "Too Tough," but has recently suffered significant health setbacks. Walden and Bofill have worked together for more than 25 years – Arista Records’ then-chief Clive Davis teamed Bofill with Walden in 1981 to produce her first commercial jazz-pop-R&B crossover recording, Something About You. Walden produced her next two recordings, 1983’s Teaser and Too Tough. The concert will also remember Joe Zawinul of Weather Report, who died in August.

For event and ticket information, go to the Grace Cathedral website.

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Growing up in Chicago, no holiday season was complete without seeing "Hardrock, Coco, and Joe." A couple of years ago, a friend called me to tell me that WGN-TV was showing a special on all their old children's shows which would also include a showing of the cartoon, "Hardrock, Coco, and Joe." I could not leave the house without seeing "Hardrock, Coco, and Joe." I hope that you will enjoy this classic as much I do.

Wikipedia provides the origin of this holiday classic:

Hardrock, Coco and Joe is a short stop motion animated cartoon written by Stuart Hamblen. It's about three of Santa Claus' helpers who ride on Santa's sleigh each Christmas. The short has become an annual "Christmas Classic" on Chicago's WGN-TV since its introduction in the early 1950s.

Its full title is Hardrock, Coco and Joe - The Three Little Dwarfs. It was originally created by a company called Centaur Productions. Its running time is about 2 minutes and 45 seconds. This cartoon is traditionally broadcast with their two other short Christmas cartoons, "Suzy Snowflake" and "Frosty the Snowman".

According to the narrative song, Hardrock drives Santa's sleigh, and Coco navigates with maps. Santa "has no need for Joe/ but takes him 'cause he loves him so". Part of the charm of this primitively-made cartoon is that Joe, the smallest of the three and very boyish-looking has a deep bass voice.

Chorus:

Oh-lee-o-lay-dee, o-lay-dee-I-ay
Donner and Blitzen, away, away
Oh-lee-o-lay-dee, o-lay-dee-I-oh
I'm Hardrock!
I'm Coco!
I'm Joe!

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December 1, is World Aids Day. This photo is from Clinica Santa Helena. They organise a Walk against Aids. Marcha contra a Aids, 1º de Dezembro.

Keep...

loving
believing in yourself
praying
caring
dreaming
loving yourself
hoping
working
being yourself
fighting
loving
helping
trusting
sharing
being creative
right on living.

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Autumn Leaves

(french lyrics by jacques prvert,
English lyrics by johnny mercer,
Music by joseph kosma)

The falling leaves drift by the window
The autumn leaves of red and gold
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon Ill hear old winters song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Cest une chanson, qui nous ressemble
Toi tu maimais et je taimais
Nous vivions tous, les deux ensemble
Toi que maimais moi qui taimais
Mais la vie spare ceux qui saiment
Tout doucement sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable les pas des amants dsunis

From Wikipedia:

"Autumn Leaves" is a much-recorded popular song. Originally a 1945 French song "Les feuilles mortes" (literally "Dead Leaves") with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prévert, English lyrics were written in 1949 by the American songwriter Johnny Mercer. It has become a pop standard and a jazz standard in both languages, and as an instrumental. "Les feuilles mortes" was introduced by Yves Montand in 1946 for the film Les Portes de la Nuit.

The film Autumn Leaves (1956) starring Joan Crawford featured the song, which was sung by Nat King Cole over the title sequence. The French songwriter Serge Gainsbourg wrote "La chanson de Prévert" as a tribute to this song. The tribute added much color into the song.

I love this song!

Posted by at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Update 11/19/2007: I guess you thought I ran away and joined the circus by now. I am still there. Today, I am in Chicago visiting my mom.

It has been an incredible year for me. I could not have imagined such a great adventure five years ago when I started this website as a spot to share my thoughts on music. In the early years, I wrote a lot of music reviews. Now, I take a lot of great notes for future reviews. Much of my time spent behind the camera taking a lot of photos.

I had my first jazz photography exhibit this past summer. Capturing The Moment was more of a blessing than I ever could have dreamed. It even got extended for 3 weeks. I am working on a new exhibit which will open on January 12, 2008 at The Jazzschool in Berkeley, California. It will run for 10 weeks during their winter quarter. I have the honor of doing artist talk at The Jazzschool on the afternoon of Sunday, February 24, 2008. I will be discussing the new exhibit as well as jazz and photography. Following the artist talk, local sax great Howard Wiley will be performing a tribute to sax legend Dexter Gordon. It will definitely be a great afternoon. More details to follow.

A few cool moments from the past year:

• I visited the legendary Fantasy Studio in Berkeley for the recording guitarist Terrence Brewer's next album which will be out early next year. It was an incredible experience and you could feel the vibe of all the greats that had recorded there.
• Local piano great Adam Shulman used one of my photos for his album cover. Thanks Adam!
• Berkeley Jazz Festival - I got to shake hands backstage with actor/humanitarian Harry Bellafonte after he received the Icon Award from the Berkeley Jazz Festival. Prior to the award presentation, vocalist Randy Crawford sang her heart out with the Joe Sample Trio. It was a great day of music.
• I took two great music courses this past summer. The first was "Telling Your Story Through Music with Marcus Shelby" at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco. The course two Monday sessions which ran for 3 hours each night. Bandleader/composer/bassist Marcus Shelby took is on a wondeful adventure of jazz history. We listened to early jazz, blues, and spiritual music recordings as Marcus explained the history of each piece of music. He also demonstrated styles, tempos and rhythms on the piano. He gave us a homework assignment in which we had to write a 12-bar blues, a field holler, a work song, and bring in a spiritual which inspired us for next week's class. The next class rolled around and I was prepared with my songs and performed three of them for the class. It was definitely a great course that I would highly recommend.
• I also took a Circular Singing Workshop with vocalist Nicolas Bearde at The Jazzschool in Berkeley. Nicolas took us through some vocal exercises to get us warmed then he broke us into sections by vocal parts (satb). Each vocal section was given a part to sing. The key is concentrating and memorizing your section's part without taking in another section's part which were being taught at the same time. I got to sing bass and tenor parts and just when you had your part down, Nicolas would pull you into the middle of the circle to solo adlib over all the voices. Once you were done, you had to pick someone from a different vocal section to take your place in the middle of the circle and you had to take their place in their section. Let's just say I got to sing with the sopranos for a bit. I had a lot of fun.

I thank you for reading and supporting me over the years. I look forward to doing this for years to come. Thanks to my family and friends for their love and support. I know my dad is smiling down on me.

Enjoy your music!

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NEWS FROM: City of Oakland Cultural Arts & Marketing Division, Office of the City Administrator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2007
Media Contact: Harry Hamilton
(510) 238-2107

Free Outdoor Movie Series Concludes with Screening of “Babe” on October 20

Popular Old Oakland Event Ends Season with Family Comedy

OAKLAND, Calif. (October 4, 2007) – The Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema’s 2007 series will conclude on October 20, with the screening of “Babe.” This family comedy follows the exploits of a sheepherding piglet and his talking barnyard friends. The series transforms Ninth Street between Broadway and Washington into an outdoor cinema with movies beginning at dusk. Limited seating is available; filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Released in 1995, “Babe” follows a piglet as he searches for his place on the farm. After the homesick piglet is befriended by a sheepdog, hilarity ensues as he learns to herd sheep. This family friendly film uses computer animation to make it look as if the animals in the movie are talking. The ground-breaking animation resulted in the film garnering an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The film went on to win an additional 16 industry awards. To overcome the challenge presented by the quick growth rate of piglets, 48 real pigs plus an animatronic double were cast in the role of Babe.

Movie goers can arrive early and enjoy a tasty dinner at one of Old Oakland ’s many fine eateries. Cuisine varies from pub food and juicy steaks to Cajun seafood and sushi. For more information on restaurants and cafes in Old Oakland, visit oldoakland.org.

During the movie, free parking is available at 8th and Washington streets. Old Oakland is just one block away from the 12th Street /City Center BART Station.

Fresh, free popcorn, sponsored by Market Square II – Old Oakland’s newest condominium community, will be available while supplies last.

The 2007 Old Oakland Outdoor Cinema is presented by the City of Oakland in association with the Old Oakland Historic District Business Association.

For more information on the cinema series, call the Oakland Film Office at (510) 238-4734 or visit filmoakland.com.

# # #

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Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church - 2401 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago

"This church houses Chicago's oldest African-American congregation, which traces its origins back to 1844, when seven individuals formed a nondenominational prayer group that met in the house of one of its members. In 1847, the group organized as a congregation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Named for Bishop William P. Quinn, the church played an important role in the city's abolitionist movement. After the Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the original church, the congregation met for many years in temporary locations. The congregation purchased the present site in 1890, and the current church is a reminder of the late-19th century character of the area."

Quinn Chapel has special significance in my family. I attended there as a young adult. My mom has been an active member since she was 8 or 9 years old. My dad served as a trustee, steward, and sang in the choir. I took these photos of the church when I was home in June. It is an amazing structure that I have come to appreciate more as I have gotten older. This church has served the community for many years and I hope that it will continue to do so for years to come.

Quinn Chapel is currently one of the 25 sites being considered in the American Express Partners in Preservation Chicago Initiative. There is a daily online voting process for the historical sites under consideration which runs through October 10, 2007.

For voting and additional information, www.partnersinpreservation.com/index.php

For a slideshow of Quinn Chapel photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/in2jazz/sets/72157602031582958/show/

Photo Credit: James Knox

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Capturing The Moment Photo Exhibit, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

I am very pleased to announce that my photo exhibit, Capturing The Moment, has been extended thru Thursday, September 6. I am very honored and blessed. It has been a great run. Thank you to everyone for all their love, support, and wonderful feedback.

Regular library hours are Sun 12-5pm, Mon 10am-6pm, Tues-Thurs 9am-8pm, and Fri 12-6pm.

What: Capturing The Moment: A Jazz Photography Exhibit by James Knox
When: Now thru September 6
Where: San Francisco Public Library, African American Center
100 Larkin Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, Ca. 94102

What's next? A jazz photography exhibit in The Bassment Bookstore (and music too!!!) at The Jazzschool in Berkeley during the winter quarter. Stay tuned!!!

Photo Credit: Leslie Knox

Posted by at 5:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It has been awhile since we caught up on my current adventures so gather around.

I turned 44 on Tuesday, hence, groovin' in 4/4 time. It was a good birthday. I get really introspective around my birthday but it is always a good time to reflect. What do you get a music/photo/baking geek for his birthday? A new hard drive, of course. I am picking up a new 500GB external hard drive (remember when 20mb was all you needed!!!) to be used for backing up photos and other pursuits. Thanks for all the calls and well wishes. :)

I had the pleasure of meeting and taking a photo with disco/r&b sensation Linda Clifford after her performance on the Main Stage at SF Pride on Sunday. She looked and sounded wonderful. She performed her classics, "Runaway Love", "Red Light" (from the movie "Fame"), and "If My Friends Could See Me."

Guitarist Terrence Brewer is going into the studio this week to record his next album project. I am privileged to take photos of his recording session. I am very excited.

The Fillmore Jazz Festival is this weekend. I will be roaming the festival with my camera on Sunday. There will be lots of great music.

The Color Purple, the musicial, is coming to San Francisco in October. I took my mom to see the Chicago production earlier this month and it was excellent.

I will be taking "Telling Your Story Through Music with Marcus Shelby" at the Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco on July 23 and 30 from 6-9pm. Here is a description of the course: "Award-winning Jazz composer and educator Marcus Shelby will guide you through various approaches to creating scores for text, theater and film using examples from his own compositions and the scores of other jazz composers such as Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington."

The Berkeley Jazz Festival is Saturday, July 28 at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley. This year's lineup includes Randy Crawford, Joe Sample, Rachelle Ferrell, The Original All-Stars of Jazz Fusion, Brian Culbertson, and Najee.

Posted by at 6:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Capturing The Moment Opening Reception was very nice and well attended. Big thanks to Stewart and everyone at the library for making it a success. Warm hearted thanks to my family and friends for their love and support. Special thanks also to Clairdee for introducing me and to Terrence Brewer and Brandon Essex for providing the music.

This day was definitely the realization of a dream come true for me. Last June, I was shooting the ReNew Orleans Jazz Festival at the Berkeley Public Library and imagined having my photos displayed there. A couple of months later, I met for dinner with my friend Stewart to further discuss the idea. The San Francisco Public Library provides great opportunities for local artists to exhibit their work. After our discussion, the question became "2006 or 2007?" I chose 2007 which provided me with a very interesting challenge. I knew there were photos in my collection that I wanted to include in the exhibit but when you are preparing for an upcoming exhibit, you want to build your collection even more. I selected from about 20,000 photos for this exhibit. I initially selected a set of almost 500 photos. I wanted to make sure I included every festival and concert that I had photographed then I narrowed it down to 50 photos for the exhibit. I am very pleased with the end result especially the spectacular job the library did of arranging the photos for the exhibit.

I was also very excited that the opening reception occurred on Father's Day as it gave me the opportunity to honor the legacy of my father, Ritson Knox. He greatly influenced my love of music and photography.

If you missed the opening reception, not too worry, the exhibit runs through August 16.

Special thanks to everyone for sharing their photos from the opening reception. More photos to come so please check back often. George Kelly provided the photos for the mosaic.

Photosets:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/in2jazz/sets/72157600391014286/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/allaboutgeorge/sets/72157600387413062/

http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/fu-hsiang/sets/72157600536413993/

Posted by at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A teaser...., originally uploaded by in2jazz.

I went over to see the exhibit after it was staged on Friday and I was amazed. It was the feeling you get when you hear a new song from your favorite artist. Big thanks to everyone at the San Francisco Public Library for making my dream a reality. Hope to see you at the opening reception on Sunday from 2-4pm in the Latino Hispanic Room on the lower level of the San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Free to the public. Come see me dressed up in a suit...ha ha ha!

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My Mother and Brother, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers! Thank you for the blessing and inspiration that you are each and every day.

I post this photo at the risk of getting a beatdown from my family. I took this photo of my mother and brother 3 years ago and I am the only one with a copy of it. :) It is one of my favorite family photos.

Posted by at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For Immediate Release

“A moment is defined as a minute portion, a point of time, or a comparatively brief period of time. In music, the moment is when all is right. The singer or musician is on the stage giving their all and the audience can feel the intensity. As a photographer, my goal is to capture, through my lens, those special moments: the chanteuse singing notes to the heavens, the piano player swinging hard or the horn player blowing notes through the roof.” – James Knox

SAN FRANCISCO, California, May 1, 2007 – The San Francisco Public Library African American Center proudly announces the opening of Capturing The Moment, a jazz photography exhibit celebrating the rich Bay Area jazz scene by photographer James Knox. The exhibit will run from June 16 – August 16, 2007 in the African American Center on the 3rd floor of the San Francisco Public Library located at 100 Larkin Street in San Francisco.

"James' passion for music, and jazz in particular, is evident in his photographs. In the moment, his keen eye captures the energy and essence of the performance, bringing the voyeur onto the stage and into the heart of the music." — Clairdee, Vocalist

"James Knox has a sensitive eye and his photos are always creative; using light, shadow, and all other natural elements to their fullest. Having been photographed several times by Knox, it is always an honor and a pleasure to see my art captured through his art and my story told by his lens!" - Terrence Brewer, Guitarist

"James Knox is a great Bay Area ambassador for Jazz. His photographs are vibrant and beautiful and capture the true spirit and soul of the Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival. It is a pleasure working with him every year." - Geoff Roach, Executive Director, San Jose Jazz

An opening reception for Capturing The Moment will be held on Sunday, June 17 from 2-4pm in the Latino Hispanic Room on the lower level of the San Francisco Public Library. The reception will include an artist discussion, a photo slideshow, and live music provided by the Terrence Brewer Duo. Refreshments will be served.

Regular library hours are Sun 12-5pm, Mon 10am-6pm, Tues-Thurs 9am-8pm, and Fri 12-6pm.

About the Artist

James Knox is music reviewer/photographer for www.j-notes.com. He has been photographing and reviewing the Bay Area jazz scene for the past five years. His work is featured on www.jazzreview.com, www.blogcritics.com, and www.sfgate.com . His photographs are featured on album covers for Clairdee and Adam Shulman, in addition to numerous artists’ websites. James credits his passion for photography and jazz to his father, Ritson Knox, and dedicates the exhibit to his family.

For more information, please visit www.sfpl.org or www.j-notes.com.

Attention Calendar Editors:

What: Capturing The Moment: A Jazz Photography Exhibit by James Knox
When: June 16 – August 16, 2007
Where: San Francisco Public Library, African American Center
100 Larkin Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, Ca. 94102

Opening Reception – Sunday, June 17, 2007, 2-4pm, Latino Hispanic Room, Lower Level, San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, Ca. 94102

Media Contact:

James Knox
Music Reviewer/Photographer
www.j-notes.com – where music gets its voice…
simplyjazz@j-notes.com
510-654-4538

Posted by at 5:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Patti Austin Master Class 35, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Singer/educator Patti Austin provided a Master Class at Borders in San Francisco on Wednesday night. It was a very well attended event. The evening started with several selected students from local schools singing their rendition of the Gershwin gem "Summertime." Patti critiqued each one on their performance. Patti stressed understanding the origin/history of the music you sing. You cannot sing "Lush Life" at age 16 even though Strayhorn wrote it at age 19. She also explained the importance of preserving today's music. All the students were great and have much potential. Afterward, a few participants from the audience got to sing before Patti. I got in line but some of the singers went on a little long so I did not get to sing for her. My song choice was going to be "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" which comes from her The Real Me album.

Patti sang "Love Walked In/Love Is Sweeping The Country" from her new album Avant Gershwin which celebrates the music of George and Ira Gerswhin. As always, she sounded wonderful. Afterward, we got to ask her questions. I got to ask "In an industry where looks sells, will she now be looked at differently?" She said, "Yes, they already have." She went on to explain, like it or not, image sells in this industry and that singers have to be prepared for that. Patti had gastric bypass surgery and has lost 145 pounds. She looks great and she always has to me but I am glad she is healthier. After the Q&A, Patti signed autographs and took photos with her fans. She is a delightful and very funny lady. I wish her all the best.

Special thanks to Ken French for taking my photo with Patti and Clairdee. See more photos from the Patti Austin Master Class, here. I really had a great time.

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Happy Easter, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter.

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Please click on the image above for more details.

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Please click on the above image for more details.

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NEWS FROM:

Cultural Arts & Marketing Division, Office of the City Administrator
City of Oakland
Black History Month Events

Run Dates: Now to March 10, 2007
Media Contact: Harry Hamilton (510) 238-2107

Friday, February 2, 2007
In Search of Human Culture: Songs and Stories of the African American in the 21st Century
8:00 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California , 1000 Oak Street
Admission Fee
The acclaimed actress, teacher, singer and writer Rhodessa Jones of San Francisco 's Cultural Odyssey examines the African-American experience through songs and stories, reflections, biography, video and more from her repertoire. Supported by the Laney College Black Student Union and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
(510) 238-3842

Saturday, February 3, 2007
New Era/New Politics Walking Tour
10:00 a.m.
Tour starts at African American Museum and Library at Oakland , 659 14th Street
Free Admission
The Oakland Tours Program presents a 90-minute walk in downtown Oakland highlighting African American leaders such as C.L. Dellums, Ron Dellums and Lionel Wilson.
(510) 238-3234 or www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours

Saturday, February 3, 2007
African American Celebration through Poetry
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline Street
Free Admission
Poets of all ages - from 8 to 80 - share their work including published writers, award-winning authors and some reading their work in public for the first time. Music, dance and costumes have enhanced past performances as each participant shares her or his unique style. Those involved thoroughly enjoy the diversity of presentations in this setting. Presented by the Oakland Public Library.
(510) 238-7352

Saturday, February 3, 2007
Mindful Drumming for Opening Minds and Healing Hearts
3:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc., 3278 West Street
Admission: $20, some scholarships available
Return to the way of the Drum as a tool to build community, increase creativity, harmonize relationships, heal broken hearts and experience joy. This gathering is designed to bring diverse groups together. Participants will utilize the twin concepts of rhythm and sound as a way of raising awareness and consciousness for a rich experience of joy and peace. Drums will be available. Kokomon Clottey, author of Mindful Drumming: Ancient Wisdom for Unleashing the Human Spirit and Building Community, will facilitate this gathering. Presented by Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc. and supports Arts in Schools.
(510) 652-5530 or www.ahc-oakland.org

Monday, February 5, 2007
Monday Night Blues Lectures and Performance
8:00 p.m. to midnight
Kimball's Carnival, 522 Second Street
Admission: $5 donation
Lecture on the history of Blues and performance. Series held every Monday during Black History Month. Presented by the Bay Area Blues Society.
(510) 836-2227/(707) 647-3962 or www.bayareabluessociety.net

Continue reading "Black History Month Events in Oakland" »

Posted by at 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Back in October, I was interviewed by Joe Hawkins, club promoter and media mogul, at the National Black Justice Coalition reception at the Bates House in Oakland. We talked about j-notes.com and jazz. Big thanks to Joe and Keeping It Real TV.

Posted by at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

442 entries
1558 comments

A couple of weeks or so ago, I celebrated my blogaversary (as it is called in the blogosphere...he he!) Many wonderful things have happened since I started out writing about music 4 years ago. I thank you greatly for riding along with me on this fantastic voyage. I am definitely not writing as much as I would like but I hope to change that a bit during the fall and winter. This year, I acknowledged that I wear a old/new hat, photographer. I got a new camera earlier this year and have shot about 16,000 photos with it. My goal is to merge my photos and my writing in this space. Stay tuned!

I am currently working on a photography project that will result in a exhibit at the San Francisco Public Library in the spring of 2007. It is tentatively called "Capturing The Moment" and it will feature some of my jazz photography and some other surprises.

My special thanks to everyone who has made this year special. You know who you are and you know that I am very grateful. I thank my family for their love, support, patience, and nudging when I have not updated my blog. :)

I know my dad is looking down and smiling (and wondering when his son is going to cleanup the house...LOL!!!)

As always, enjoy your music!

Photo credit: Big thanks to saxophone/bass/flute player Dayna Stephens for letting me use his bass and for taking the photos above. Yo Dayna, where are my free lessons...ha ha!

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Jenifer Lewis & Thelma Houston, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Singer/Actress/Diva Jenifer Lewis is performing her one-woman show at the Empire Plush Room in San Francisco through Sunday, 10/22. I had the pleasure of attending Jenifer's opening night show on Tuesday and she was excellent. She took us on a journey through her amazing career with song, comedy, and a whole lot of love. She is wonderfully gifted and talented. I want to go back and see her again before Sunday. She is definitely a must see.

Singer/Disco Hall of Famer Thelma Houston is in town performing in Teatro ZinZanni on Pier 29 through Sunday, 10/29.

I got to meet both Jenifer and Thelma after Jenifer's opening night performance. Both ladies were very gracious and kind.

Photo Credit: James Knox

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It is a nice fall day and you are driving in your car or on the train heading home. Your favorite groove is on the radio or in your headphones and you are singing your heart out (especially if you are in the car with the windows up.) In my case, I was grooving to Chaka Khan singing "Papillon (aka Hot Butterfly.") You know how we do it, making up are our own lyrics as we go. For everyone who has butchered the lyrics on this song as badly as I have, here are the actual lyrics so we can all sing in harmony together.

Papillon (aka Hot Butterfly) Lyrics

A faded photograph I mailed to you
With feelings I don't want to face
And a long song of surrender in blue
I remember when you took my breath away

CHORUS:

Chanson papillon, we were very young
Like butterflies, like hot butterfly
Chanson papillon, we had just begun
We let it slide on by
We didn't realize

All our memories are burning in time
Like a bittersweet perfume
Can you tell me how a love that's so fine
Could have climaxed in a single afternoon

Gone are the days of instant romance
And the nights of slow goodbyes
That was a time of life when foxy was the dance
But then you got wise to all my lies

CHORUS

Chanson papillon, chanson
Chanson papillon, chanson
Chanson papillon, chanson
Chanson papillon, chanson

Now is that what you have been singing all this time? Enjoy your music!

Photo credit: James Knox

Posted by at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A friend recenly asked what would be my dream concert? My first choice would an intimate concert for 10 people with Shirley Horn in her living room. My second choice would going to see Incognito at the Jazz Cafe in London. I would actually like to do that in the next couple of years. Bluey or Maysa, if you are reading my blog, send me a ticket!

What is your dream concert?

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I turned 43 yesterday! Thank you Lord!

I actually started celebrating my birthday last Wednesday with dinner at Scoma's on Fisherman's Wharf. I had the broiled salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and an assortment of veggies.

Friday, I stopped off at Bakesale Betty and picked up cupcakes for my co-workers. We had carrot cake cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting and chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting. They were very well received. Now if you ask why I bring my own dessert to celebrate my birthday, it is because no one will bake for me. I am really not a dessert snob. :)

Friday evening, I went with friends to Blackberry Bistro for dinner. I had a yummy salmon dish (I will give you the exact details later) and warm banana raisin bread pudding with Chantilly cream and warm caramel sauce for dessert. The highlight of the evening was going to the Framelight 30 Film Festival to see the Maurice Jamal film, Dirty Laundry. I will only tell you that the film was excellent and if it comes to your city, please go see it. Hopefully, this film will be in theaters later this year. Kudos to Maurice!

Saturday, I attended a BBQ in the afternoon and went to the opening concert of the Stanford Jazz Festival in the evening. On the bandstand was The Cyrus Chestnut Trio (Michael Hawkins on bass and Neal Smith on drums) with special guests Donald Harrison on saxophone and Wycliffe Gordon on trombone. It was a magnificent concert. I will tell you more about it later.

Sunday, I did a lot of celebrating, a lot of walking, took a lot of pictures, and even some dancing which I think I am still feeling the effects of today.

On my birthday, I rested and talked to friends near and far. I had a late lunch of waffles, hash browns, and sausage at Ole's Waffle Shop in Alameda. I went to the beach and played with my camera, tripod, and remote control. The photo above was taken while there. My challenge was trying not to have the remote control look so obvious in the photos. After the beach, I headed to Berkeley for a music fix then to dinner at Tropix. I had the calamari and the jambalaya. Very tasty! It was definitely a good day!

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes and cards. Special thanks to S and D for buying me my jazz photography dreambook. I aspire to have one of my own one day.

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Happy Mother's Day!, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Happy Mother's Day to my mother and every mother who has inspired and encouraged me along the way.

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John Hicks, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Before Carmen Lundy's second show last night @ Yoshi's, we were informed that pianist John Hicks had passed. Carmen dedicated both of her shows to John. I took this photo of him last year when he was playing with Bobby Watson, Kiyoshi Kitagawa, and Victor Lewis at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival. He was so fascinating to watch play because he got so involved that it seemed he was ready to fly off his piano bench. Another great legend has gone home.

As more information about his passing becomes available, I will post it here.

JazzTimes.com: Pianist John Hicks Dies
JoeLovano.com: Remember John Hicks

Posted by at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ray Barretto, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

I took this photo of percussionist Ray Barretto near the close of the San Jose Jazz Festival in 2004. The day was filled with great acts including Lizz Wright and Terence Blanchard but when Ray came on the stage, the crowd went wild on that hot summer evening. He was a dynamo and the people danced in front of the stage to his magical rhythms. That is how I will remember him.

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Coretta Scott King (1927-2006)

In the early 1980's, Coretta Scott King spoke at the bank where I worked in Chicago. It was a phenomenal experience that I will always treasure.

Photo Credit: (AP)

Posted by at 6:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Music in my life in 2005, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

Get ready...more coming soon!

1. Andy Bey Quartet @ Yoshi's, 2. Andy Bey Quartet @ Yoshi's, 3. Kenny Barron,4. Regina Carter, 5. Victor Lewis, 6. Kiyoshi Kitagawa, 7. Regina Carter, 8. Hicks-Watson-Kitagawa-Lewis Quartet, 9. Healdsburg Jazz Festival, 10. Big Black, 11. John Hicks, 12. Jessica Williams, 13. Andy & Bonnie, 14. Andy Bey Quartet @ Yoshi's, 15. Great American Music Hall, 16. Geri Harris, 17. OJazz JazzLife Symposium, 18. OJazz JazzLife Symposium with Randy Moore & Earl Watkins, 19. Dr. Wax Records, Tapes & CD's, 20. Jeffrey Smith, 21. Pyeng Threadgill, 22. Yoshi's Jazz Club, 23. Healdsburg Jazz Festival, 24. Mary Stallings, 25. Geri Allen Trio w/ Mary Stallings, 26. Mark Johnson, 27. René Marie, 28. René Marie, 29. Giovanni Hidalgo, 30. Eddie Palmieri, 31. Bobby Matos Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble, 32. Rhythm of the night, 33. Dayna Sean Stephens, 34. San Jose Jazz Festival Banner, 35. Jason Moran, 36. Tarus Mateen

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Please click on the image for more details. Site will be live soon.

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African American Museum & Library at Oakland, originally uploaded by in2jazz.

NEWS FROM: Marketing Division, Office of the City Administrator City of Oakland

Black History Month Events in Oakland
Calendar Listings

Run Dates:
January 1 to February 27, 2006
Media Contact: Harry Hamilton
(510) 238-2107

Friday, January 27 - Sunday, January 29, 2006
Fib and Quibble Showcase
8:00 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 3:00 p.m. Sun.
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice Street
Suggested Donation: $5
A gathering of top local talent comes together to celebrate the deep, rich history of African-Americans as told hrough dance, drama, singing and storytelling. "We wear the mask...."
(510) 839-9192 or (510) 520-1340

Wednesday, February 1, 2006
Kalimba Interactive Assembly
10:30 a.m. - Elmhurst Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 1427 88th Avenue
3:30 p.m. - Cesar E. Chavez Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 3301 East 12th Street
Free Admission
Carl Winters, "The Kalimba King", plays the ethereal, mysterious Kalimba also known as the African thumb piano. All ages are welcome and participation is encouraged.
(510) 615-5727; (510) 535-5620 or www.oaklandlibrary.org

Thursday, February 2, 2006
Kalimba Interactive Assembly
10:30 a.m. - Dimond Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue
1:00 p.m. - Brookfield Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 9255 Edes Avenue
3:30 p.m. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 6833 International Boulevard
Free Admission
Carl Winters, "The Kalimba King", plays the ethereal, mysterious Kalimba also known as the African thumb piano. All ages are welcome and participation is encouraged.
(510) 482-7844; (510) 615-5725; (510) 615-5728 or www.oaklandlibrary.org

Friday, February 3 - Sunday, February 5, 2006
Fib and Quibble Showcase
8:00 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 3:00 p.m. Sun.
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice Street
Suggested Donation: $5
A gathering of top local talent comes together to celebrate the deep, rich history of African-Americans as told through dance, drama, singing and storytelling. "We wear the mask...."
(510) 839-9192 or (510) 520-1340

Saturday, February 4, 2006
New Era, New Politics Walking Tour
10:00 a.m.
Tour starts at African American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th
Street
Free Admission
This two-hour guided walking tour, conducted by the City of Oakland's Oakland Tours program, highlights the historic points of interest in African American history in downtown Oakland. The tour will also recount Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.'s visits to Oakland.
(510) 238-3234