Vesta – vocals
Glen Pearson – keyboards
Craig T. Cooper – guitar
Curtis Ohlsen – bass guitar
Dante “Taz” Roberson

I went to see Vesta Williams at The Rrazz Room last night. It was like catching up with an old friend whom you had not seen for years. Vesta opened her 90 minute set with a fiery rendition of her classic “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” She then took us on a musical journey through her classics and recent recordings. She sang David Gates and Bread’s “I Want To Make With You.” It was sultry and steamy and she traded scat licks with guitarist Craig T. Cooper. On Bill Withers’ “Use Me,” she got a little help on background vocals from an audience member whom she invited on stage and was able to keep up with Vesta’s mesmerizing vocals. Next in our journey, she did an incredible a cappella medley of Deniece Williams’ “Free”, Sly Stone’s “If You Want Me To Stay”, The Spinners’ “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”, Marvin Gaye’s “Distant Lover” and several of her own gems – “4U,” “Sweet, Sweet Love,” “Hunger”, and “You Still Do It For Me.” She asked the audience what they wanted to hear and they called out all her classics. I should also mention that in between songs, Vesta did hilarious impersonations of Patti LaBelle, Michael McDonald, and Tina Turner. Vesta closed out the evening with her signature song, “Congratulations” and she moved every soul in the room. She took us from sad to celebratory for she told us though she had lost a love, she still had a friend in Jesus. Yes, she took us to church! She put so much of herself in this song that she was almost in tears at the end. That is the power of a great song and a great singer. She sang every note to the fullest. She encored with one of my favorites, “Don’t You Blow A Good Thing.” I definitely want to here more of her music real soon.

Her incredible band included her longtime friend Craig T. Cooper on guitar and Bay Area favorites Glen Pearson on keyboards, Curtis Ohlsen on bass guitar and Dante “Taz” Roberson on drums.

I got meet her after the show and she was wonderful. Her next album, Seven, will be released in July and the first single will be “Silly.” I asked her about her album title and she said, “Seven is her seventh project and seven is a number of completion.” Be on the lookout for Vesta!

Photo Credit: James Knox

R.I.P. Teddy Pendergrass – http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/arts/music/15pendergrass.html

Soulful crooner Teddy Pendergrass was much apart of my musical landscape when I was growing up in Chicago. As explained in the article, his message was erotic without telling you everything, unlike today’s young crooner.

R.I.P. Ed Thigpen – http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2010/01/ed_thigpen_remembering.html

Jazz legend Ed Thigpen best for his recordings with legendary pianist Oscar Peterson. He also recorded, played or toured with Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Cootie Williams, Billy Taylor and many others.

I am so excited about seeing Patti Austin tomorrow night at Yoshi’s San Francisco. See you there!

Posted in: Music News/Info, Yoshi’s.
Tagged: jazz · Patti Austin · r&b · San Francisco · Yoshi’s

Vocalist/songwriter Lizz Wright is bringing her sweet music to the Bay Area.

9/18 Dizzy’s Den stage at the Monterey Jazz Festival at 8:30pm
9/19-20 Yoshi’s Oakland – Shows at 8 and 10pm

Photo Credit: James Knox

August 9, 2007

CONTACT:
Denise Lamott Public Relations
(415) 897-5089
lamoore1@verizon.net

THE 31st ANNUAL RUSSIAN RIVER JAZZ FESTIVAL TO FEATURE MUSIC LEGEND CHAKA KHAN, PLUS BONEY JAMES, JOE SAMPLE TRIO, PONCHO SANCHEZ, NORMAN BROWN & OTHERS
FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 8 & 9 BRINGS WORLD-CLASS JAZZ, WINE & FOOD TO THE PICTURESQUE BANKS OF THE RUSSIAN RIVER AT JOHNSON’S BEACH IN GUERNEVILLE

WHAT:
The 2007 Russian River Jazz Festival celebrates 31 years of bringing world-class music and festival revelry to the Bay Area on Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9, at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville.
Established in 1976, the Russian River Jazz Festival has evolved into one of the nation’s top jazz events, and the quintessential end-of-Summer celebration for Northern Californians. Enjoy great music and the finest local wines at a picturesque outdoor setting on the banks of the Russian River.

WHEN:
Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9, 2007.
Gates opens 10:00 a.m. Music begins 11:00 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m.

WHERE:
Johnson’s Beach along the Russian River, Guerneville (1st & Church Sts.)

ARTISTS:

Saturday, September 8:
Chaka Khan – eight-time Grammy Award© winner
Boney James – top selling saxophonist
Poncho Sanchez – the King of the Congas
Ledisi – urban jazz vocalist with new Verve release coming Aug. 28
Forté (jazz combo) and Michaele on the Wine Garden Stage

Sunday, September 9:
Norman Brown’s Summer Storm featuring vocalist Peabo Bryson, Marion Meadows (sax) and Jeff Lorber (keys)
Joe Sample Trio – legendary contemporary pianist
Christian Scott – trumpeter named “next big thing”, new CD on Concord
Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers – swinging jazz band
Michaele on the Wine Garden Stage

TICKETS: Ticket prices are $45 per day or $80 for the 2-day Pass (through Sept. 7)
Gold Tier tickets are available for $90 per day or $170 for both days. Gold Tier guests are assigned a reserved sand chair in front of the main stage, use of a private beach chair and 3 wine tasting coupons.
• Tickets purchased at the gate are $50 per day (general admission) or $100 per day (Gold Tier)
• Children 10 and under are free!
Tickets can be purchased by phone by calling the Jazz on the River Box Office at (707) 869-1595; or online at www.RussianRiverFestivals.com.
OUTLETS Tickets are also available (cash only) at three local tickets outlets, including the Russian River Chamber of Commerce (16209 Main Street in Guerneville), the Last Record Store in Santa Rosa (1899a Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa) and at Back Door Disc in Cotati (7665 Old Redwood Hwy.)

INFO
Box Office: (707) 869-1595
E-mail tickets@omegaevents.com
Website http://www.RussianRiverFestivals.com

For full artist bios and electronic photos, contact Denise Lamott at lamoore1@verizon.net.
No glass, cans, alcohol, pets or high-back beach chairs will be permitted. Low-back chairs only (no higher than 32” in full upright position).

The Quiet Storm – Volume 2 (listen here!)

01 – Pieces of a Dream – “Warm Weather” from Pieces of a Dream (1981) – This breezy Pieces of a Dream song features Barbara Walker on lead vocals. It was written by Cynthia Biggs and Dexter Wansel.

02 – Martha Wash/Izora Armstead – “Taking Away Your Space” from Get the Feeling (1980) – In this sometimes unfair music world, Martha and Izora’s stars should shine much brighter than they do. I love their music.

03 – Quincy Jones – “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” from Sounds…And Stuff Like That!! (1978) – This instrumental was written by Herbie Hancock and he is featured on electric piano along with Hubert Laws on flute solo.

04 – Randy Crawford – “Now We May Begin” from Now We May Begin (1981) – This one of my favorite Randy Crawford songs and I loved hearing it on warm summer nights.

05 – Gene Dunlap – “Before You Break My Heart” from Capitol Rare, Vol. 2: Funky Notes from the West Coast (1981) – This song came from drummer Gene Dunlap’s It’s Just The Way I Feel album. It features the Ridgeway Sisters on vocals. Gene went to school with Earl Klugh and played drums in the 70′s with Earl before he embarked on a solo career.

06 – Jean Carn – “Love Don’t Love Nobody” from Closer Than Close: The Best of Jean Carn (1981) – Jean’s remake of The Spinners’ 1974 classic ballad was definitely one of my late night favorites.

07 – Norman Connors – “We Both Need Each Other” from Best of Norman Connors & Friends (1992) – This classic jam (1976) penned by Michael Henderson features Michael and Phyllis Hyman on lead vocals.

08 – Quincy Jones – “I’m Gonna Miss You in the Morning” from Sounds…And Stuff Like That!! (1978) – I had to go back to this album one more time just because I love it. This song features Patti Austin and Luther Vandross on the lead vocals. What a combination!

09 – Phyllis Hyman – “The Answer Is You” from Under Her Spell: Phyllis Hyman’s Greatest Hits – I love this song. Enough said. Oh wait, it also features Onaje Allan Gumbs on piano.

10 – Norman Connors – “This Is Your Life” from Best of Norman Connors & Friends (1992) – Eleanor Mills is featured on lead vocals on this song. Eleanor also provided those soaring background vocals on Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s “You Are My Heaven.”

11 – Ronnie Laws – “Every Generation” from Capitol Rare: Funky Notes from the West Coast (1999) – This classic reminds me that I need get more music from the talented Laws family in my collection.

12 – Gladys Knight & The Pips – “Feel Like Makin’ Love” from Love Songs [Buddha] – I found this song on the Gladys Knight & The Pips compilation which was released earlier this year. I had never heard their rendition of this Roberta Flack classic but I loved it so it made a good fit for this radio blog. It was originally recorded on their 2nd Anniversary album in 1975.

13 – Deniece Williams – “If You Don’t Believe” from The Best of Deniece Williams: Gonna Take a Miracle (1976) – This gem came from her debut album This is Niecy which also featured her hit “Free.”

14 – Joe Sample – “Greener Grass” from Voices in the Rain (1981) – A mellow groove from a extraordinary keyboardist.

15 – The Jones Girls – “Who Can I Run To?” from The Best Of The Jones Girls (1979) – A classic jewel from one of their early albums. In 1976, The Jones Girls sang backup for Diana Ross. Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff heard them one evening and eventually signed them to Philadelphia International Records.

16 – Stephanie Mills – “Feel The Fire” from Best Of Stephanie Mills – Stephanie recorded this soulful tune on her Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin’ album from 1978. Peabo Bryson wrote and originally recorded this song.

17 – Angela Bofill – “Under the Moon and Over the Sky” from The Definitive Collection (1979) – Angie penned this beautiful melody for her debut album, Angie. There was a time in the late 70′s when Angela Bofill and Phyllis Hyman were in heavy rotation on the airwaves.

18 – Patrice Rushen – “When I Found You” from Patrice (1978) – This is one of my favorite Patrice Rushen songs. I was recently reading through the liner notes and noticed that Syreeta Wright sang background vocals on this album.

19 – Grover Washington, Jr. – “Just the Two of Us” from Winelight (1980) – Bill Withers sings vocals on this Grover Washington classic groove. This song was quite popular.

20 – Minnie Riperton – “Give Me Time” from The Best Of Minnie Riperton – I knew I wanted to include a Minnie Riperton song but it was very difficult selecting a song. Her music set the standard to which other singers are still compared. I remember being on my front porch listening to the radio when they announced that she died. This perfect angel left us way too soon.

Enjoy your music!

The Quiet Storm – Volume 1 (listen here!)

01 – Natalie Cole – “La Costa” from Thankful (1977) – Looking back through all the wonderful music that Natalie has done, La Costa was undoubtedly one of her finer moments. It was so admired that even jazz great Ahmad Jamal recorded an instrumental version. This album was released on CD in 1996 but good luck finding a copy of it. I last saw a copy online for about $80. Hopefully, Capitol will reissue Natalie’s early albums.

02 – David Sanborn – “It’s You” from Voyeur (1981) – David lays down a serious groove on his saxophone complimented by the lush background vocals of Valerie Simpson, Patti Austin, Kacey Cisyk, and Lani Groves. David later recorded this song with Bob James on their Double Vision album in 1986.

03 – Patrice Rushen – “This Is All I Really Know” from Posh (1980) – I learned about this inspirational gem when I started buying Patrice’s albums in the 80′s. In addition to Patrice’s magic, it also features the powerhouse vocals of Lynn Davis.

04 – Pieces of a Dream – “All About Love” from Pieces of a Dream (1981) – This instrumental version of the EWF classic on Pieces of a Dreams’ debut album from 1981 was produced by their friend and mentor, sax great Grover Washington, Jr. Pieces of a Dream featured James Lloyd on keyboards, Cedric Napoleon on drums and vocals, and Curtis Harmon on drums. Founding members Lloyd and Harmon are still with the group today.

05 – Randy Crawford – “Rio de Janeiro Blues” from Secret Combination (1981) – This is one of my favorite Randy Crawford songs. Enough said.

06 – Earl Klugh – “Living Inside Your Love” from Living Inside Your Love (1976) – I recently saw Earl Klugh in concert and he played this classic which he wrote with Dave Grusin.

07 – George Benson & Aretha Franklin – “Love All The Hurt Away” from Love All The Hurt Away (1980) – This duet was definitely a favorite of the quiet storm and they sound great together.

08 – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway – “Only Heaven Can Wait (For Love)” from Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway (1980) – This song comes from one of my favorite Roberta Flack albums. It was recorded after Donny Hathaway’s death and he is featured on “You Are My Heaven.” Eric Mercury provides the additional vocals near the end of “Only Heaven Can Wait (For Love).”

09 – Joe Sample - “Burnin’ Up the Carnival” from Voices in the Rain (1981) – This was one of my favorite late night songs. It features Flora Purim and Josie James on the lead vocals. I recently saw Joe Sample in concert and he is still “Burnin’s Up the Carnival.” He can play any genre of music music exceedingly well.

10 – Brenda Russell – “So Good, So Right” from Ultimate Collection (1979) – A very gifted singer/songwriter, this was Brenda’s first solo single. In the liner notes from her Ultimate Collection compilation, she shares how she wrote this song. “I was having a dinner party. I never usually write in front of people, but I was doing dishes and the idea for ‘So Good, So Right’ came to me. I went directly to the piano and started writing this song. It became my first hit record, so I am glad I went with my instincts.” Did know that Brenda co-wrote “Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me of a Friend)”, which was recorded by Rufus & Chaka Khan, with her former husband, Brian Russell?

11 – Grover Washington, Jr. – “Winelight” from Winelight (1980) – This song is timeless. I never got to see Grover Washington, Jr. live in concert but his music definitely lives on. Crooner Kurt Elling recorded a vocalese version of this song on his Man in the Air CD in 2003.

12 – Phyllis Hyman – “Betcha by Golly, Wow” from Best of Norman Connors & Friends (1992) – Phyllis recorded this classic Thom Bell/Linda Creed ballad with Norman Connors in 1976. Every time I hear this song, I just want to melt. Her voice was like velvet and she definitely left us way too soon.

13 – Gladys Knight & The Pips – “Still Such a Thing” – from All About Love (1980) – This great ballad comes from one of the two albums (Touch in 1981) that Ashford and Simpson produced for Gladys Knight & The Pips. Other hits on this album included “Landlord”, “Bourgié Bourgié” and “Taste of Bitter Love.” Oddly enough, this album was never released on CD but several of the songs can be found on compilation albums.

14 – Ashford & Simpson – “Bourgié Bourgié” from Stay Free (1979) – It is one of the few Ashford and Simpson instrumentals and it features Valerie on piano. This was actually a disco hit. Words were added later and Gladys Knight & The Pips recorded it on their All About Love album which A&S produced in 1980.

15 – Quincy Jones – “Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)” from Sounds…and Stuff Like That!! (1978) – This is a rich arrangement of this Stevie Wonder classic. Quincy’s goddaughter Patti Austin is featured prominently on this album. She is vocally backed here by the New York Super Singer which included Gwen Guthrie, Lani Groves, Vivian Cherry, Yolanda McCullough, Tom Bahler, Luther Vandross, Zach Sanders, Bill Eaton, and Frank Floyd. This singers like these, you definitely could not miss a beat.

16 – Leon Huff – “I Ain’t Jivin’, I’m Jammin’” from Here to Create Music (1980) – Leon Huff of Huff and Gamble penned this classic and swings a mean Hammond organ. When I played this song for a friend, he wanted to know how old I was because he said I had no business knowing about this song. Some folks knew it as a great roller skating song. I knew it as a song to used at the end of radio show for Chicago disc jockey. I also knew it as the end of night song at a couple of clubs back in the day. This week, it will be a soulful groove to help you in the kitchen as you prepare your holiday meal.