I took this photo of Etta James on very warm Sunday afternoon in September at the Russian River Jazz Festival in 2006. She was serving up her music hot and pulled no punches. This is how I will remember her.

Two of my favorite Etta James releases were from the mid 90′s. She did an excellent album of jazz standards, Time After Time, and a tribute album to Billie Holiday, Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday. Both albums are fine examples of how Etta could sing anything exceedingly well.

Rest in peace, Miss Etta James.

Photo Credit: James Knox

The 27th Annual Fillmore Jazz Festival Expands Entertainment With Outstanding 2011 Musical Program

(San Francisco, CA) Every summer on July 4th weekend in San Francisco, Fillmore Street is home to the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast: The Fillmore Jazz Festival. The 27th Annual Fillmore Jazz Festival will showcase the Bay Area’s best talent from up and coming jazz fusion and Latin flavored acts to seasoned crooners belting out jazz standards. Eat, drink, and shop while you stroll, dance and groove to your favorites.

This Year’s festival is expected to draw an even larger audience of jazz aficionados as the musical programs were developed by with Jason Olaine, Artistic Director for Yoshi’s and Bobbie Webb, a longtime festival favorite. The musical entertainment will be on three stages. Jason Olaine, has assembled a solid jazz lineup on the Sutter and California Street Stages and for the first time ever the Jazz Festival has designated a Jazz Artist in Residence, Marco Benevento and a World Music Artist in Residence, Jackeline Rago.

The musicians performing on the California and Sutter Street stages include Ottmar Liebert, Fairh Ako, Mingus Amungus, Jenna Mammina, Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Nigerian Brothers, The VNote Ensemble, California Honeydrops, Marco Benevento Acoustic Trio, Marco Benevento Electric, Jackeline Rago, Marcus Shelby, Mingus Amungus, Kim Nalley, Weather Wane, Venezuelan Music Project, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Los Pinguos, Marckus James & The Wasssonrai and more.

Bobbie Webb, long time Fillmore District icon, radio personality and a musician himself will be performing at the show. He has created a lively program for The Eddy Street Stage with familiar Festival favorites and a few new acts that include: Jaye and Friends, Alvon & The All-Stars, Bobbie “Spider” Webb and The Smooth Blues Band, Lagos Roots, Future Perfect Band, Me & You, Kaye Bohler Band and Scary Larry.

According to the President of the Fillmore Merchants Association Thomas Reynolds, “We are excited about expanding our program by working with Jason Olaine and Bobbie Webb—both well known figures in the jazz community. Festival attendees will be seeing new performers along with some of our regular favorites.”

The festival annually attracts more than 90,000 people from all over the City, the Bay Area, and beyond. Visitors gather to celebrate and enjoy a musical tradition of live jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel as well as local culture and fine cuisine in the heart of the city by the bay.

This year the Festival celebrates its 27th anniversary by once again blending art and soul from sunup to sundown, from Jackson to Eddy, presenting the music of old favorites as well as new ‘up and comers’ on multiple stages. Festival attendees can also browse 8 blocks of fine arts and crafts, enjoy gourmet food and beverages, and participate in cooking demos by the Fillmore’s finest chefs.

Art and crafts include photography, painting, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, pottery, clothing, hats, and children’s toys – over 200 artists and craftsmen. Delicious “street food” includes oysters, calamari, fish & chips, grilled chicken, bbq pork, jambalaya, tri-tip and organic fruits and veggies, fine wine, and beer.
There will be hourly cooking demos featured at the Fillmore Center Plaza, hosted by Savor the Moment, featuring chefs from noted local restaurants such as 1300 on Fillmore, Yoshi’s, Dosa, and more.

The Festival will also offer the famous Swing Dance completion presented by North American Open & Northern California Open Swing U School.

From Asian to Cajun, from hoppin’ dance music to smooth jazz, from fine art to kitsch gifts, there is something for everyone on July 4th weekend in the Fillmore. Don’t miss it!

Presented by the Fillmore Street Merchants Association and the Fillmore District CBD.

Major sponsors include California Teas, Ford Motor Company, Comcast, Metromint, KBLX Radio, KCBS Radio, KTVU TV, Vespa & Sprint, Zip Car, The Fillmore Center, Japantown Garage, and many more.

Produced by Steven Restivo Productions, LLC

www.SRESproductions.com ~ 800-310-6563
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Hears Looking At You Photo – A Visual Essay of Jazz and Blues

Jazz and Blues Art Photography of Kamau Amen-Ra, Tasin Sabir, Edward Miller, Charles Rhone, James Knox

Location: San Leandro Public Library
Street: 300 Estudillo Avenue
City/Town: San Leandro, CA

Exhibit Dates: July 1 – 31 2010

Artists’ Reception: Thursday, July 15, 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Library Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 10am-9pm
Fri: 10am-5:30pm
Sat: 10am-5pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm

Examiner.com: Hears Looking At You focuses on Bay Area jazz photography

ERNESTINE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Dear Friends,

We hear stories daily of people who are being forced to foreclose on their homes and it is truly heartbreaking. Recently, celebrities such as Ed McMahon and Evander Holyfield are in foreclosure. Unfortunately, that is a reality for many in this troubled economy and now, it has affected our own living legend, the incomparable Ernestine Anderson who is a four-time Grammy Nominee. We are reaching out and seeking support to help Ms. Anderson save her home, where her family has lived since 1946, in Seattle’s Central District. Any financial contribution to avoid this misfortune will gladly be accepted. An account has been set-up for her at Bank of America in Washington State under the name of “The Ernestine Anderson Fund”. You can go to any Bank of America to make a donation to this fund. People who live outside of Washington State may also make a donation at Bank of America. Please let them know to reference:

Bank of America – Washington State for “The Ernestine Anderson Fund”.

Checks can also be mailed to:

The Bank of America
“The Ernestine Anderson Fund”
1201 East Madison,
Seattle, WA. 98104

Ms. Anderson has exhausted all resources and she has until June 30th to raise at least $45,000 or her family home will be foreclosed. Any additional money raised will be used to assist Ms. Anderson to offset the existing mortgage of this property which will give her peace of mind in the future. Without our financial support, her home is scheduled to be auctioned off on July 11th. We appeal to everyone who has been touched by Ms. Anderson’s artistry, to join us in this effort. As 2008 marks Ms. Anderson’s 80th birthday – a true milestone, we hope that as a community we can rally and give back for all the gifts she has bestowed on so many.
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone and everyone who is willing to help. We need everyone’s support now as the clock is ticking.

With much gratitude and sincere appreciation,

Nancy McKernon
Publicist

Photo Credit: www.ernestineanderson.com

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 26, 2006 — The San Jose Jazz Society (www.sanjosejazz.org) today announced headliners for the 17th Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival, presented by Southwest Airlines. The Festival, which runs August 17-20 2006, will pay respect to the genre’s deep roots in New Orleans with a full line-up of superstars, including the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Sonny Landreth, and more. The Festival will take place on nine stages, each dedicated to a flavor of jazz: Blues, Latin, Salsa, Big Band, Youth and Straight Ahead.

“The Jazz Festival is our biggest fundraiser of the year, which helps serve more than 8,000 school children through our music and education programs,” said Geoff Roach, executive director of the San Jose Jazz Society. “So many jazz fans live in the Bay Area and nostalgia for New Orleans is particularly strong this year, given the turmoil experienced in the region. We want to pay respect and homage to the birthplace of Jazz with this year’s lively lineup and we expect this year’s event to draw an enthusiastic crowd.”

This year’s artists range from world-famous jazz legends to up-and-coming stars. Additional headline artists include the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Bud Shank, pianist Eldar, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Other artists performing at the festival include pianist Bill Mays, Hiroshi Kamekura from Japan, Anton Schwartz, and Roger Smith and Tom Politzer of “Tower of Power.”

Festival Gala and Concert at Santana Row

The Festival will kick off with a bang Thursday Night at Santana Row with a Marti Gras themed Gala event and concert. The opening night Gala has been a sold-out event the past four years, helping to raise funds for the San Jose Jazz Society’s year-round education and performance programming. Details of this event will be announced at a later date.

Cool Creole, Cajun and lots of Concerts

Friday through Sunday brings the Festival back to downtown San Jose with three days of non-stop jazz events. From Friday night’s high octane opening at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez to the much-anticipated appearance by Festival headliners the Neville Brothers on Sunday evening, the San Jose Jazz Festival has something for everyone. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at noon and continue after hours with the Festival’s newest stage “Jazz Beyond.” Arts and crafts, photography exhibitions, jazz films, and even a Silicon Valley CEO jazz jamsession will be featured during this year’s Festival. For more information about the 17th annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival, please visit, www.sanjosejazz.org.

Performer highlights include:
Saturday, August 19

Eldar Main Stage

Hailing Eldar as a “remarkably advanced jazz artist,” JAZZIZ magazine wrote, “The pianist’s incredible hands already have him sounding like a young Art Tatum.” When he was nine years old, Eldar began to explore and pursue jazz seriously. One can hear in Eldar’s music influences from the classic, the inspired drive of Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, the exuberance of Dave Brubeck, and the intensity and introspection of Bill Evans.

Dr. John – Main Stage

Dr. John is universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to New Orleans. Adorned with voodoo charms and regalia, a legend was born with his breakthrough 1968 album Gris-gris, which established his unique blend of voodoo mysticism, funk, rhythm & blues, psychedelic rock and Creole roots.

Dr. Lonnie Smith – Main Stage

Dr. Lonnie Smith is internationally known as one of the premier jazz keyboardists in the history of the idiom. A dominant talent and pace-setting proponent of the Hammond B3 Organ and widely recognized and gifted pianist, Lonnie has been at the forefront of the jazz scene since 1969 when Downbeat Magazine named him Top Organist.

Bill Mays — Smith Dobson Stage

The artistry of Bill Mays is beyond category. With deep roots in jazz, gospel, pop and classical music his eclectic, prolific career as pianist, composer and arranger spans four decades.

Anton Schwartz – The Rep Stage

Jazz saxophonist Anton Schwartz has been drawing listeners in with the power, spirit and subtle complexity of his music since he bounded onto the San Francisco jazz scene in 1995. San Francisco Chronicle described him has having a “warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy.”

Roger Smith and Tom Politzer from Tower of Power – Blues Stage

Roger’s talents are something recording artists have known for years. From his early days on the Austin, Texas music scene, Roger has been a sought after musician and music producer. Tom Politzer joined Tower of Power on Lead Tenor Sax in March on 2002. Tom is well known in the Bay Area for his work in several bands, most notably Spang-A-Lang.

Sunday, August 20

Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Main Stage

Two trumpets, two trombones and a baritone sax make up the bracing brass sound of this band dedicated conga, bongo and timbale players round out the percussion and the upright bass and acoustic piano are the icing on this salsa flavored cake. With a sound both modern and historic and a swing that could revive the dead, Spanish Harlem Orchestra is the signature sound of 21st century Latin music.

Bud Shank – Main Stage

Bud Shank has been an integral member of the international jazz scene for 60 years. A respected saxophonist, composer, and arranger, his soaring dynamic performances have enlivened countless concerts, festivals, nightclubs and recording sessions.

Sonny Landreth – Blues Stage

Considered one of the more unique slide guitarists, Landreth’s marriage of blues and zydeco has morphed into the “king of slydeco.” Landreth has been working steadily for decades, amassing a devoted following among his fans and peers. Eric Clapton said he is “probably the most underestimated musician on the planet and also probably one of the most advanced.”

Neville Brothers– Main Stage

The essence of New Orleans, the 4 Neville Brothers, Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyril are convocation of each of their unique souls. Each breathes their own personalities into a union funk, soul, fusion and blues.

“As the title sponsor for the jazz festival, Comcast is committed to providing quality entertainment for the whole family along with educational programs that enrich local communities,” said Navarra Williams, area vice president of Comcast. “We’ve been sponsoring this event for 11 years, and each year, the Festival is more exciting, more alluring, and always jam packed with talent. Once again, we’re thrilled to support this much anticipated annual event, and to be working with the San Jose Jazz Society to spread the joy of music throughout our community with educational classes and year-round performances.”

About Comcast Cable

Comcast Corporation is the nation’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 21.4 million cable customers, 8.5 million high-speed Internet customers, and 1.3 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
The Company’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, OLN, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One and four regional Comcast SportsNets. The Company also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

About the San Jose Jazz Society

The Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival is one of many programs offered year-round by the San José Jazz Society, a nonprofit organization with a mission of celebrating jazz through performance and education in order to enrich and improve the lives of people in Silicon Valley. Proceeds from the Festival help to support the Society’s education and outreach programs, including a myriad of in-school programs that reach 8,000 students per year with jazz history and music workshops that also emphasize a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Media Contact
Anne Smith
Festival Publicist
408-313-8089
anne@annesmithcommunications.com

by Rob Evans
liveDaily Editor

Jimmy Smith credited with a style that revolutionized the Hammond B3 organ in the ’50s and ’60s, died at his Phoenix home on Tuesday (2/8), apparently of natural causes, his Verve Music Group publicist confirmed. He was 76.

Jimmy Smith was truly without peer,” said a statement issued by Verve president and CEO Ron Goldstein. “His creativity and original style put him in a class above all other organists. Fortunately, Jimmy leaves behind a wealth of recordings that can be discovered and cherished forever.”

Smith recorded his most notable works for Blue Note Records from the mid ’50s through the early ’60–an especially productive period that saw the artist issue about three-dozen albums. During this period, his unique, high-energy, blues-and-gospel-influenced technique established and popularized the B3 as a jazz instrument.

Though his recorded output slowed in his later years, he continued to tour regularly.

Smith’s final studio album, 2001′s “Dot Com Blues,” was a blues-heavy set that featured a long list of big-name guests, including B.B. King, Etta James, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’ and Dr. John.

On Feb. 13, Concord Records is scheduled to release “Legacy,” an album Smith recently recorded with fellow acclaimed B3 player Joey DeFrancesco.

“Jimmy was one of the greatest and most innovative musicians of our time,” DeFrancesco said in a statement. “I love the man and I love the music. He was my idol, my mentor and my friend.”

Drinking music is in a class all of its own. We know it as the music that has helped us just to make it through a situation. It has soothed the pain of a broken heart or a failed romance. You put that record of your choice on and slide on down to bluesville with a side order of dark and dreary skies. I personally love this kind of music not for its mood altering affects but for its power. Never does a lyric have so much meaning as in the blues. There are no mixed messages in these songs. You know it is over, they have left you, and your heart will be broken for awhile. You are lying on the couch with a fifth of whatever (kool-aid, of course) and co-signing with the music when you hear phrases like “I’d rather drink muddy water and sleep out in a hollow log” or “Lawd, if I only had my way, the graveyard would be the place where my man would lay.”

On Aretha Sings The Blues, Aretha sets the tone for whatever ails you. These classics were recorded between 1961 and 1965, during her seven years at Columbia Records. She is also featured on piano on some of the tracks. Aretha opens the album with my personal favorite, “Drinking Again“, which paints the tale of a romance that has gone south and the song ends with the prophetic line, “I ain’t got nothin’ but a bottle of Seagram’s and just a memory.” The lights are low and the embers have lost their glow. Each title tells a life story such as “Maybe I’m A Fool“, “Evil Gal Blues“, “Trouble In Mind“, “Nobody Know The Way I Feel This Morning“, “This Bitter Earth“, “Muddy Water“, “Only The Lonely” and “Take A Look.” She embraces this music with such soulfulness, conviction, and compassion and to imagine that she was only in her late teens and early 20′s when she recorded these gems. That is an amazing talent wise beyond her years. If you are an early Aretha fan, this is definitely a must have. Enjoy your music.

Other Related Albums
The Great Aretha Franklin/Sweet Bitter Love/Aretha Sings The Blues [Box Set]
The Delta Meets Detroit: Aretha’s Blues
Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington