CoffeeTalk Jazz Magazine January 2022 Volume 10

COFFEETALK JazzMagazine

January 2022

“Born To Play” Saxophonist

+

Guitarist

EDISON HERBERT “Time for Love”

WAYNE GUTSHALL “Going Up” ROSEANN SUREDA “It’s Called Love” MARKUS ZAHRL “A World of Bliss” Remembering

NICK COLIONNE

AND

www.coffeetalkjazz.com

Music Producer

LOWELL HOPPER

“Takes us Inside The Music” COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

Scan here to read

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Wh o We A r e

CoffeeTalk Jazz Magazine is the leading voice for today’s most affluent, sophisticated, and accomplished musicians. We get up-close and personal inside the minds of the world’s most accomplished and innovative music makers giving you a global perspective on the artist and their music.

As a one stop publicity team for many of today’s indie artist and legends in the music business. My team and I working to maximize the value of each artist, songwriter, musicians, and author we interview, promote and market.

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w w w . c o f fe e t a l k j a z z . c o m c o f fe e t a l k j a z z COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

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C

EDITOR’S NOTE offeeTalk Jazz Magazine is proud

many of the most incredible artists on the

to feature Saxophonist, Flutist,

planet. You’ll find reviews of the latest CDs,

Singer, Songwriter, & Composer

books, videos, and performances.

Joyce Spencer on the Cover for our January 2022 magazine. We provide com-

When we launched in 2011, CoffeeTalk Jazz

prehensive and in-depth coverage of the

Magazine had a mission: to provide the

national and international r&b funk and

backstories about incredible indie artist,

jazz scene. In addition to insightful profiles

their talent, and why they play, write, and

of emerging and established stars, every

compose music.

issue contains a glimpse into the lives of

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Let’s Welcome!

over 232,000.00 thousand digital readers across

Eldon T. Jones

follow our content through our multiple plat-

R&B Jazz & Gospel Saxophonist

forms including facebook, twitter, instagram

a variety of CoffeeTalk social media.You can

and our official website. www.CoffeeTalkJazz.

Bob Baldwin

com

Pianist, Author & Composer Through our award-winning magazine we

Heidi Tann

keep you informed on the best in style, celeb-

Singer, Songwriter & Vocalist

rity news, music festivals and the scrumptious places to eat, shop and play in the City of Los

Tony Exum Jr.

Angeles. You will enjoy human-interest stories,

Saxophonist, Actor & Radio Host

special edition articles for our Women in music and jazz club events. We have the inside scoop

Markus Zahrl

helping artist get their music placed in film and

Saxophonist, Artist & Composer

television.

Wayne Gutshall

Our work in television and film has been a

Educator, Composer & Saxophonist

game-changing career strategy for multiple artist we’ve promoted and marketed. We have

Lowell Hopper

negotiated a few substantial film and television

Bassist, Songwriter & Music Producer

placements for clients. Some musicians earn their living off of music placements alone. Get

Edison Herbert

the scoop and stay in the know about all thing’s

Int’l Recording Artist & Guitarist

music though CoffeeTalk Jazz Media Magazine.

Roseann Sureda

Musically yours,

Vocalist, Songwriter & Voiceover Artist

Editor in Chief

CoffeeTalk celebrates the power of songwriting to connect cultures bringing the world together one song note at a time. Our single focus connects artists, composers, music legends and celebrities from both music, movies, television and film projects. We cross and intersect with

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Joyce Spencer Cherish The Moment

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Kim Person

The Gospel Truth

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Lowell Hopper

Markus Zahrl

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No Turning Back

A World of Bliss

Eldon T. Jones

Bob Baldwin

Portland’s Groove

New Urban Jazz

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92

Kenny Lattimore

Heidi Tann

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New Music

Bossa Nova and Latin Jazz Anyone?

Gift of Music Foundation

Designer Virgil Abloh

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It’s Called Love

Time For Love

Instrument Donation Program

Roseann Sureda

In Memoriam

Edison Herbert

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108

Iconic Jazz Guitarist

Here to Stay

Nick Colionne

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Tony Exum Jr.

Soul Jazz Music Melodies

Professor Mwalim DaPhunkee

114 Soul Train Music Awards

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118

Class is Now in Session

Libre New Music

Wayne Gutshall.

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Jess Cook

con t e n t s

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Joyce Spencer Featured Artist

As an award-winning saxophonist, flutist and vocalist from Dallas, TX, 8

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J

oyce covers the gamut of musical influence, style and genre from traditional to contemporary jazz and classical to R&B, funk, fusion, blues, pop, and Gospel/Christian. The mixing and blending of musical styles in her upbringing is definitely her forte and an asset

to writing music and entertainment. Whether it’s upbeat music or sultry smooth jazz or ballads, Joyce provides sensational musical entertainment on saxophone (soprano, alto, and tenor), flute and vocals that caters to the fans or venue.

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Saxophonist

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New Album “Many Colors”

H

er educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education where she also studied saxophone and flute, classical

and jazz, theater, and radio and TV broadcasting. She also participated in the college choir, stage plays, and musicals.

After a brief period with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra on flute, Joyce moved from Louisiana to Texas where her career shifted to corporate America; however, she returned with sheer determination over seven years ago with her first album, “Sweet Dreams”, and has since released several more projects, including the latest jazz album. “Many Colors”, “It’s Christmas Time” and other singles releases like “Cherish” and “Sax-O-Phunk”.

She has graced the stage of many music festivals, concert venues, and corporate shows in the United States, but radio stations all over the world are playing her music. Radio stations have honored her with awards and special recognitions such as the GHP Radio Music Award, Sound Fusion Radio Song of the Week, Ssassy Radio Top 20, etc. along with several special features with radio stations like The Jazz Oasis, Coffee Talk Jazz, Jazzy100 and Amazing Smooth and Jazz Radio.

In addition, David McLorren featured Joyce as the lead soloist in two tracks on his Grammy consideration album, “Life Happens”. Other notable awards and nominations are

song (Many Colors). South Florida Gospel Music Awards, Best Female Jazz Flutist and Best Producer/Arranger/Composer by Black Women in Jazz and Fine Arts also nominated her Best Female Artist.

When Joyce is not performing, she is hard at work on her next project, collaborating with other independent artists or co-hosting on GHP Radio, “The Indie Live Spot”.

CONNECT JOYCE SPENCER www.joycespencermusic.com

the Black Women in Jazz Female Saxophonist of the Year, GHP Radio Virtual Music Award for Best Groove Featuring Sax, NAACP Music Award (Garland), Coffee Talk Jazz Radio “Heart & Soul Instrumental” Award, ASCAPLUS Awards Panel Recognition and the Akedemia Award for best funk

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Coping With COVID A Musical Journey of Healing “Cherish” A Musical Dedication

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A

s we approach another year of the pan-

se Johnson said we need a video and the rest is

demic whirlwind, we continue to face

history.I hope this video will bring some comfort to

challenges like social distancing or limited

everyone who has lost a loved one to covid.

contacts, restricted air travel and lodging, various cancellations, anxiety, and the feeling of boredom and isolation. However, the greatest challenge in my life has been dealing with the death of my mother from COVID-19 when we weren’t even allowed to be by her bedside due to the heavy hospital restrictions at that time. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine my mom’s last breath being this way. My siblings and I took it for granted that we would be by her bedside just like our father when he passed away. This certainly added fuel to the fire of grief, but of course, we persevered. When two more relatives (father and daughter) lost their lives to COVID months later, I was triggered again and again. But, thank God for music! I released a track, “Cherish”, honoring and cherishing the memories of my mother in 2021. When I shared my story at a BBA Yacht Club performance, Jes-

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QA &

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With Joyce Spencer

Q. If you can have steaming hot Coffee with any

many times you hear their music, it is still fresh

musicians past or present, who would it be and

and powerful with continued sell out perfor-

why? It would be with Eddie Harris and living

mances. They have proven that success is not

legends like Vi Redd and Frankie Beverly.

just on the billboard.

If I had the opportunity to have coffee with a

Q. With the world shifting and well-known

legend who is no longer with us, it would be Ed-

companies permanently closes their doors

die Harris. He was a phenomenal musician and

mass job loss, and unemployment numbers at

composer who pushed the envelope of jazz con-

all time high and a ranging world-wide pan-

stantly. He also added some humor to this re-

demic. Would you say that music gives people

cordings as well, which I thought was awesome.

a release and a sense of hope? Absolutely! The

He seemed to be free to create anything from

best music comes out of grief and hard times

the more traditional style of jazz and crossing

and for the musicians and/or composer, it’s

over to a mixture of jazz and funk. He had suc-

one our greatest outlets. But when it’s deliv-

cess in charting in both jazz and R&B. I love that

ered or released to the masses it gives people

freedom. I would ask him a load of questions about how he evolved in terms of composing music.

I see Vi Redd as one of the originators of women in jazz. I think she is one of the most under rated jazz musicians and in my humble opinion, should have had more recordings; however, I’m intrigued that she was also an educator and would like to know more about that. She is as great a singer as a saxophonist. I want to know what it was like having a father who was a jazz/ blues musician and share stories about the struggles of a professional female saxophone player. Also, I would like her view of women in jazz today. I think she would really understand our struggle as women in jazz and would offer “motherly wisdom”.

Another living legend would be Frankie Beverly.

I feel like I was born listening to Frankie Beverly and Maze and they are still as powerful and influential today as they were when they released their first album in 1977. It doesn’t matter how

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a sense of hope and healing in the deep recesses of the soul.

Have you ever wondered why people dance harder than usual or just “cut loose” when they hear their favorite song? Well, it’s because the music has given them freedom of expression or permission to let go of some form of repression like job loss, quarantine issues, relationship struggles, the loss of a loved one, etc. Music and dance for that matter give us the key to unlock the celebration of life no matter how hard or good life is.

Q. What’s the timeline for putting together a quality CD including selecting the artwork, the music producer’s and which tracks would make the cut for your project? As an independent artist, that time line varies depending on your financial status and/or your support system.

It could take anywhere from months to over a year to release a full CD project. And, when life happens it can may take longer than that.

Q. How and why is important is for artist or musician to understand the business side of music? It’s not all about the show. Actually the show is a very small portion of the business of music. As an indie, my husband, LaDarien Spencer, and I take care of promoting, website maintenance, social media presence, bookings, photo shoots, event promos, graphic designs, organizing rehearsals and playlists for our band or even my solo cover shows. Why do we do all this and more? So we can show the public and perspec-

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tive clients that we are truly serious about what we do. It is indeed a business. I was excited to

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learn that some bookings were the result of a

would switch to saxophone. I said yes. Wow!

google search. So, learning search engine opti-

The sax was just too awesome and I found it it

mization is important to your business.

be easier and more expressive than the clarinet. This is where it started, but I didn’t take it

To help reduce the expense of recording and

seriously until my second year in college when

releasing new music, I have a small recording

I changed majors from Radio and Television to

studio in my office. I spent years learning music

Instrumental Music Education where my princi-

recording, along with photo editing and video

pal instrument was saxophone. About two years

editing to reduce some of the expenses. Once

later I added the flute.

I’m done writing my song or track, I send

Q. How important is it to

it to the producer to

pass the music baton

take it from there. Re-

to the next generation?

member a recording

Extremely important. I

artist can spend up

try to encourage parents

to $10,000.00 (maybe

to engage their children

more) releasing one

in some form of music

track only to sell it for

no later than six years

.99.

although it is never too late for minors and

Q. Where did your

adults. If you can I would

love of saxophone

start with piano as the

come from? I joined

keyboard has music

the school band in 5th

theory right in front of

grade playing clarinet.

you both audio and

I just wanted to play in

visual. In other words,

the band at that time.

the child can play a half

It didn’t matter what

step from D to Eb, but

instrument it was. My

can also see it. You learn

playing was so bad

and develop your brain

with my squeaking

with left and right hand

and squawking I made

coordination and read-

our dog howl. My dad

ing treble and bass clef

thought that was so

at the same time. From

funny, too. At the end

there, I believe you can

of my 11th grade year

learn any instrument.

my band director, Ms. Bergeron, asked if I

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Q. Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with? Gerald Albright Q. Who’s on your CD player? So far I have Jeff Canady (producer/drums), LaShawn Gary (keys), Darrel Smith (guitar) on the first release, “Cherish”. I’m excited to announce that the following tracks for my “Hidden Treasures” album project will be produced by Terry and Nkenge Tuck. I’ve always known Terry as an awesome bassist and composer, but wow he’s awesome on lead guitar, keyboard, band drums, too.

Q. How has your playing style evolved since started? I was classically trained in the beginning as most musicians who played in middle and high school bands, but I was raised with R&B, traditional jazz, funk, rock, zydeco, and blues. So I was always evolving by mixing and blending styles and technique. I mean a major 3rd in classical music is still a major 3rd in blues.

You just learn to “bend it a little” and phrase it differently. I added jazz studies to my music degree, but it wasn’t until I basically stopped thinking theory and listened to the great jazz artists and just played what I heard in my ear and heart. That’s when I finally felt relaxed and comfortable about playing jazz in terms of improvisation.

Q. 10. What one or two keys you can share in developing business relationship? Don’t look for just skilled people as one can be super skilled but have no compassion or concern for people or your project. Use every tool you can from social media to google search to find out about any service a person is offering you.

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

Referrals from a proven and trusted friend is great, too. Even with your best efforts you still may have a small margin of error, but at least you put forth your best effort. You just never use that service again. Yes a contract is good, but I’ve dealt with people who even with a contract didn’t keep their word or fulfill the agreement, but those people that will bend over backwards to keep their word and do their best for you or your project with our without a contract are absolute jewels that you never want to betray. In other words, you treat them the same way and please try not to take advantage of those jewels.

Be honest and upright about what you do, but understand that doesn’t mean perfection either. What you’re looking for is success. In other words, everything doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. The intent of the heart matters a great deal.

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T

he Best of Mississippi Awards™ Ultimate Event Planners Awards Expo is Mississippi’s most prestigious honor that recognizes and celebrates the best Small to Mid-Sized Business Visionaries. With a number of “The Best of Mississippi Awards” categories to choose from, The Best of Mississippi Awards™ is the largest Business Honorary Recognition Program in Mississippi.

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he Ultimate Event Planners Awards Expo™ is presented

by The Best of Mississippi Awards, LLC in partnership with Business Empowered Mississippi Chamber of Commerce. It is the leading Event Organizer with seven years of successful Awards Events Produced, and the state’s BIGGEST and most attended Awards Event, hosted in cities across the state.

Various types of Event Planners and those who are looking for caterers, photographers, graphic designers, and more for their special event engage in cutting-edge workshops, keynotes, exhibitors that can help

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Whether a small budding business or a well-established one, The Best Of Mississippi Awards takes pride in shining the spotlight on them!

The Best of Mississippi Awards Ultimate Event Planners Awards Expo will be held on February 26, 2022, at The Hilton Jackson, 1001 E. County Line Rd starting at 9:00 until 5:00 p.m. The Honorary Awards Luncheon starts at 12:00 noon. Click below to reserve your ticket!

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The Musician’s Corner

Lowell Hopper Jazz Guitarist-Bassist Multi-Instrumentalist,Recording Artist, Composer & Producer Panama City, Florida based - guitarist Lowell Hopper - soulful guitar, haunting melodies, funky bass, and beats; his music creates an audio tapestry that the listener can’t help but be drawn into. From original compositions to marvelous renditions of classics, he is a world apart. For over 30 years, Lowell has been charming audiences around the world with tender ballads, transcendent instrumentals, and hard-hitting renditions of R & B and jazz classics. Lowell does what he does because he loves doing it. It is the adoration of fans and his desire to share his love of music with them that has motivated Lowell to keep performing and producing high quality music.

Lowell is a jazz guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, composer, and producer, known mostly for his soulful, funky, and jazzy guitar style. Growing up in Virginia, Lowell was introduced to music at an early age as he would often listen to his father play the acoustic guitar and sing around their house. Lowell began playing guitar at age 6 and was playing guitar and bass in RnB and blues bands in night clubs by age 15.

After college, Lowell joined the U.S. Air Force during when he was inspired to start writing and producing his own music. Throughout Lowell’s twenty-year Air Force career, he performed and recorded with numerous jazz artists in Germany, Panama Canal, and Florida. Today, he performs regularly in jazz and funk bands in northern Florida. His loyal followers span generations and have enjoyed his performances over and over.

CONNECT WITH LOWELL HOPPER Website - www.lowellhopper.com

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QA &

With Lowell Hopper Q. Tell our readers about your Music background? Growing up in Virginia, I was introduced to music at an early age, as brother and I would often listen to our father play the acoustic guitar and sing around our house. I began playing guitar at age 6, and was playing guitar and bass in rock, RnB, and blues bands in night clubs by age 15. During college, I was introduced to and began playing more jazz and fusion music. After college, I joined the U.S. Air Force, during when I was inspired to start writing and producing my own music. Throughout my twenty-year Air Force career, I performed and recorded with numerous jazz artists in Germany, Panama Canal, and Florida. Today, I still perform in concerts and nightclubs quite regularly in Northern Florida and Georgia.

Q. Do you have a favorite piece of music that you worked on? My favorite piece of original music is usually the upcoming project (s) that I’m working on at the time. I don’t usually listen to my recordings once the project has been released, unless there is a reason to…such as I am asked questions about it by radio personalities, or I will be performing the piece in an upcoming show and I haven’t heard it in a while.

Q. What genre of music do you produce?

The majority of music that I produce would probably be considered by most to contemporary

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jazz because the majority of it is mostly instrumen-

my productions are hardly ever started and fin-

tal. I have also produced several artists that would

ished in the same calendar year because there

probably be considered RnB, rock, or pop. I like

are so many stages to get them finished. During

working with all types of artist in general.

the early stages, I am more concerned with being creative and arranging. Once most of the parts

Q.How would you describe your workstyle? My

have been added, it is still only about 70 percent

workstyle might be described as being long and

finished. At that point, I become more concerned

arduous. I am usually working on several projects

with the engineering aspects (mixing and master-

simultaneously (of my own, and others), and all of

ing) which are the most time consuming…

them are at various stages of production. Most of

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Q. What is the first thing you listen for when lis-

come to me usually only have basic ideas for

tening to a new recording? First, I must like the

songs, like the basic chords, the hook, or every now

song, which is difficult to define. Maybe, it has a

and then, the melody. I usually help them with the

great hook, interesting chord changes, or sounds

rest.

original. If one of those elements are not there, then that becomes the objective. Most artist that

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PLAY - EAT - SHOP Best of L.A. All the Best Things to Eat, Shop for, and Do

From vets to vintage shops and tacos to toy stores, Best of L.A. is back with a brand-new batch of the city’s finest fare COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

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Pasta Tasting

Crenn, makes pastas—sunflower agnolotti with duck,

Encino empire-builder Phillip Frankland Lee is a wild-

cavatelli with lobster and peas—that are among the

ly enterprising chef and restaurateur, so naturally

most smartly composed in the city. The restaurant’s

he opened a tasting-menu spot in the middle of a

ambitious offerings clearly distinguish it from à la carte

pandemic. Pasta Bar serves seasonal 12-plus-course

pasta counters and casual noodle samplers. Don’t be

menus (from $165), headlined by four to five next-lev-

surprised if your final pasta course is accompanied by

el pasta dishes. Lead chef Nathan Tauer, whose

a few slices of Wagyu ribeye. 16101 Ventura Blvd., Enci-

fine-dining bona fides include stints at Coi and Petit

no, pastabarencino.com.

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Cooking Class The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories isn’t adults-only—it also offers serious instruction for kids and teens. Recent guest teachers have included KCRW’s Evan Kleiman and alums of Border Grill and the late Patina. Classes cover knife skills, plating, busing, and keeping your station in order—the better to ensure young chefs don’t create a three-course mess at home. 395 Santa Monica Pl., Ste. 323, Santa Monica, www.thegourmandiseschool.com.

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Artist Spotlight

Eldon “T” Jones

S

Saxophonist, Jazz, Gospel & Soul

axophonist Eldon “T” Jones is one of

worldwide. World Arts Foundation recognized

Portland’s best saxophone players of

Eldon’s music as a blessing to the commu-

jazz, gospel, and soul music. He began

nity with a Lifetime Achievement Award at

his music career by founding the N Touch

their Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute in 2017. In

band that played around Portland in the ’90s.

2018, the original N Touch members took the

He mentored and launched several of those

Alberta Rose Theatre stage for the sold-out

musicians into long and fruitful music careers.

crowd to relive an era. Eldon performed the

Eldon continues to move hearts through his

music of his idol, Grover Washington, Jr. at

profoundly genuine playing at music festivals

PDX Jazz Festival in 2019 and took the show

and premier jazz venues.

on the road to Bend, Oregon for three soldout Jazz at the Oxford concerts in 2020.

Eldon released “T’s Jam” as a single on October 25, 2021, and he’s elated to share it with

Eldon plans to perform more Grover Washing-

the world because it captures the essence of

ton, Jr. tribute concerts and release new mu-

his joyous personhood and musicality. Mixed

sic in both the gospel jazz and soul jazz styles.

by industry Midas Darren Rahn and promoted

Eldon proudly endorses P. Mauriat saxophones

by Gorov Music Marketing, it’s a funky smooth

and Marca Reeds.

jazz tune with a kick. The gospel organ lays the foundation before the band spirals into an

Partial Discography

all-out jam!

2001: N’Touch 2007: With all My Heart

In 2015, Eldon contributed the song “Love Will

2015: “Love Will Find a Way” on Bespeak Love

Find a Way” to the Bespeak Love collabora-

2021: “T’s Jam” Single

tion, which reached #1 on the UK Soul Chart and received airplay on smooth jazz stations

CONNECT WITH ELDON JONES Website - www.eldontjones.com

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Q&A

Q. What’s your deliration process for selecting

Q. What’s the most important aspect of song?

what track will make the cut for your CD?

The melody, groove, beat, vide or lyrics?

First, I critique and once the track feels good to me

The melody, because that gives you a chance to

,I let other people listen and get their input. It’s im-

express words on your heart.

portant for me to get their response. If people respond well it’s an indicator and those tracks

Q. When you listen to music does it transports to

move forward and are released.

a different place and time? I think absolutely! Music makes me thinks about different seasons

Q. What has been one of highlights if your mu-

throughout my life.

sic career? I would say getting the opportunity to open up for Earth Wind and Fire has been the

Q. Do you have life’s motto? Treat people the way

highlight of my career. I consider them to be the

you want to be treated.

greatest Soul/R&B band ever.

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What makes a great musician? Gift, talent, hard

Q. How important is it to have a supportive

work, and dedication.

spouse in the music business? I think there is nothing like having the support of a spouse. My

Q. What did this project mean to you post pro-

wife has always had my back and pushes me to

duction? I feel excited for this next chapter and for

be the best I can be.

the opportunity to express my musical personality to listeners globally.

Q. What your definition of good music? Good music is music that I can feel and creates a mood.

Q. What do you want listeners to know about you? I want listeners to know that I have music

Q. If you, could you have hot steaming Coffee

that comes straight from the heart and heals the

with anyone in history, who would it be and why?

soul.

I would have coffee with Dr. Martin Luther King. I

also want my listeners to know that I play music

have a lot of questions concerning the Civil Rights

but really I am a regular guy that loves spending

Movement. I would also love a chance to sit down

time with family and friends. I find joy in the simple

with John Coltrane and ask him about how he

things in life.

navigated through segregation and still became one of the most imitated musicians in history.

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City News Services Los Angeles International Airport, commonly referred to as LAX, will receive over $79 million from the federal infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed into law last month, the largest share of more than $294 million going to 167 airports across California, the state’s two Democratic senators announced today.

“We are already seeing the benefits of

in the world, but our infrastructure—in-

the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in-

cluding our airports—lags behind,” Sen.

cluding in these investments in Cali-

Dianne Feinstein said. “… This funding

fornia’s airports,” Sen. Alex Padilla said.

will improve facilities, update technolo-

“Upgrading terminals, runway renova-

gy and make flying more efficient, safer

tions, and other improvements at Cali-

and comfortable for Californians. We

fornia airports will create good-paying

must continue these types of critical in-

construction jobs and help our tourism

vestments in our infrastructure if we’re

industry rebound as we recover from

to remain competitive and continue to

the COVID pandemic.”

create jobs and economic opportunities. Today’s announcement is a step in

The money will be distributed through

the right direction.”

the Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration will

Aside from the $79,278,162 going to LAX,

allocate an additional $12 billion na-

the Southland’s other airports are in line

tionwide in airport infrastructure im-

for the following amounts:

provements provided by the Bipartisan

•

Infrastructure Bill over the next several years.

John Wayne Airport (Orange County): $11,573,206.

•

Burbank/Hollywood Airport: $7,956,710.

The law also provides $5 billion in addi-

•

Long Beach Airport: $6,121,584.

tional grant funding for terminal devel-

•

Van Nuys Airport: $763,000.

opment projects and $5 billion to im-

•

San Gabriel Valley Airport (El Monte):

prove air traffic control infrastructure.

“California’s economy is the fifth largest

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

$295,000.

•

Fullerton Municipal Airport: $295,000.

JANUARY 2022

37

NEW MUSIC

KennyLattimore

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an unprecedented range influenced by his classical, jazz, and gospel upbringing. Kenny is famous for delivering just the right dose of classic crooning, exceptional runs and authentic emotion. He has placed a distinctive stamp on classic songs recorded by musical icons as Donny Hathaway and The Beatles, transformed Christmas standards, and created musical magic on iconic movie soundtracks like Love Jones, Best Man and Disney’s Lion King II Simba’s Pride.

Kenny Lattimore’s recording legacy includes the critically acclaimed albums, “From The Soul Of Man,” “Timeless” and “Anatomy of a Love Song,” which produced the Top 10 single “Love Me Back.”

While “A Kenny Lattimore Christmas” earned a Stellar Award nomination for ‘Event CD of the Year,’ Lattimore’s ninth solo studio album “Vulnerable” produced another Top 10 hit, “Stay on Your Mind,” which climbed the charts to #7 on UAC Billboard and held top radio positions in multiple U.S. markets.

Kenny is a humanitarian who uses his life and

“HERE TO STAY” - (Available NOW) ABOUT KENNY LATTIMORE

W

ith a career spanning over two decades, highlighted by his 1996 breakthrough single “Never Too Busy” and

the wedding staple “For You,” Kenny has garnered Grammy and Soul Train Award nominations, Top 10 singles, Top 20 R&B albums and an NAACP Image Award for Best New Artist, while staying sincere

platform as a tool to inspire others to pursue excellence and elevate positive conversation about art, culture, family and faith. Lattimore continues to tour globally, showcasing his unique creative journey through stunning and diverse set lists.

CONNECT WITH KENNY LATTIMORE Instagram:

@KennyLattimore

Twitter:

@KennyLattimore

Facebook:

OfficialKennyLattimore

Website:

www.KennyLattimore.com

about giving his heart and soul to communities through music.

The Washington DC native dazzles audiences with

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39

GIFT OF MUSIC FOUNDATION Instrument Donation Program Donated musical instruments drive many of the things we do at The Gift of Music Foundation. someone who will cherish it and fully appreciate it’s value, and 2) it helps ensure that kids who want to learn to play are not held back by the costs of instruments and classes. Your donation is literally giving The Gift of Music!

Access to Music Education

This program was started to assist in replacing music classes that have been eliminated by public schools.

The Access to Music Education Program provides students in grades 3-5 with a 9-month beginning instrumental program at participating pub-

I

lic schools in an after-school environment. The n many cases instruments are refurbished and added to our Access to Instruments program so beginner students can have an instrument

at little or no cost. This supports our primary mission of providing resources for kids who may not be able to afford instruments through traditional

curriculum focuses primarily on learning to read musical notes and play selected instruments, with classes meeting twice a week. The study is based on established educational guidelines provided by state and local authorities.

means.

Numerous studies have proven that students who

Some instruments, those usually not suitable for

essential age window in a child’s overall develop-

beginning students, are used in other ways to fund our programs and services. We recondition and sell used instruments and gear and use the proceeds to purchase more student instruments or cover the costs of our education programs.

Either way, your donated instrument accomplishes two things: 1) it puts the instrument in the hands of

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learn music benefit in many other ways during this ment. Increases in cognitive and social skills are real. Students who learn music frequently perform better in academic areas and in the growth of crucial life skills.

As school budgets are stretched thin and artsbased programs are often the first to be eliminat-

ed or downsized, we believe it is a major priority

Same top-brand quality instruments at better

to take action to keep music education in our

prices, no contracts, no credit checks, repair and

schools.

maintenance plan included in rental price.

Access to Instruments

Our REDUCED and GIFT OF MUSIC rental programs

Our Access To Instruments Program was de-

provide instruments to those who may not oth-

signed with students, parents, and directors in

erwise be able to afford them. It’s the core of our

mind. We offer brand-name, Director Approved

mission!

instruments as well as fully-reconditioned instruments acquired through our donation programs.

We are the only source in our area for specialized reduced-price and free* instrument rentals for

“The Vision for your life creates the discipline for your life.”

those with qualifying financial circumstances. It is our mission to help all kids have Access to Instruments!

As a non-profit organization, our mission focuses on today’s music students, teachers, and programs – not shareholders or the bottom line. We believe every child should have access to a quality musical instrument at a price that fits into any budget.

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

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41

The Musician’s Corner

Roseann Sureda

Singer, Songwriter, Voiceover Artist and Vocalist

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R

oseann Sureda knows how to work an audience. Looking like a vintage star, the sumptuous performer from the Hudson Valley

is on the cusp of big things since her gig at The Metropolitan Room.

2019 was a stellar year for singer-songwriter and producer. Not only did she release her long-awaited debut album, “It’s Called Love,” this winter, but she has watched it climb the radio indie charts steadily all spring and summer.

The album, an eclectic and luxuriant collection showcasing Roseann’s vocal versatility, has consistently ranked in the top 10 on Jazz Juice Radio UK.

Beach Film Festival and 5 bronze awards at the Global Independent Film Awards that same year.

Not only that, but 3 singles off the album reached

Roseann, who got her start singing at the iconic

No. 1 on the Indie Alliance top 20 chart. She has

Nevele Grand Hotel in the once-famed Borscht

further made the list of top 10 artists on the Unisoul

Belt, is not one to rest on her laurels. This summer,

Radio Network, and most recently was Honored to

she teamed up with Doug Gray and Jose Figueroa

receive her first (WSA) World Song Writing Awards

of the New York-based Unity Gain Recordings to

Best Music Production “Beauty Of The Islands”

co-write and record an old-fashioned patriotic

Spring 2021.

song called “American Baby,” (Passionardor Remix).

After a long 5-year recovery from a car accident requiring a spinal fusion, she wrote nine original

The single, capturing the spirit of America in a

songs on the album, including “Corners of Our

nonpolitical manner, features Roseann on vocals

Heart,” “Through the Eyes of a Friend,” “Beauty Of

backed by The Brotherhood Band. Following its

The Islands” and the tantalizing “Stand Up And Be

July 1 release, the song quickly gained in popu-

Counted”, which was featured on the September

larity and became a favorite anthem at Hudson

2018 premier of the Amazon TV series “New Dogs,

Valley Independence Day parades, and charted at

Old Tricks.”

#1 by Kings of Spins.

Even before the release of “It’s Called Love,” Rose-

Most recently, Roseann has joined forces with the

ann had garnered national praise for her music

highly regarded and internationally known Dave

video set to the title track, which debuted in 2015.

Howard Initiative. She performed in mid-August

Shot on the historic Kingston, NY, waterfront with

with Howard, a composer, musician and Berklee

actor/director Stephen William Tenner, the mu-

professor, and his band at La Fabrica Central, a

sic video captured first prize in 2018 at the Silicon

live lounge in Cambridge, Mass.

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43

That set the stage for future collaborations. Plans

David Howard CD NEXT “Your Smile” Song Of The

were underway for 2020 touring, including one in

Year.

Malta, where Roseann will sing selections from Howard’s latest project, “Infinite Blu,” a blend of

As the gifted artist continues to expand her fan

neo-soul, funk and rhythm and blues.

base and musical horizons, she is looking ahead to infinite possibilities. One of her goals is to sell

She also anticipated performing her original songs

her music to other artists and land her original

on tour and co-writing new material with Howard.

compositions on film and television. On top of that,

Unfortunately, covid hit, yet the passion to create

Roseann excels in producing special events, tailor-

together continued and “Your Smile” became their

ing them to each unique venue.

first co-written single Lyrics by Roseann Sureda, Arrangement by David Howard released Novem-

“Sureda Music is a production company as well,”

ber 20, 2020

she says. “Other than being a recording artist and performer, I write, produce and arrange and spe-

This lovely bossanova soon became #1 on Jazz

cialize in creating a variety of musical styles. “I live

Juice Radio Indie Alliance Top 20 chart this April,

to create music. It’s the essence of who I am.”

gained international airplay. In August 2021 “Your Smile” off David Howards Next CD has been entered For Your Consideration Grammy Award

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45

QA &

With Roseann Sureda Q. You are a musician, is there another art in which you’d like to be accomplished? Indie Film Maker. I actually plan on doing a documentary on chronic pain in the near future.

Q. What is your favorite non-musical pastime?

Cooking , I love to have dinner parties, entertain family , and friends.

Q. What non-living musician has inspired you most? Ella Fitzgerald.

Q. What living musician do you admire most?

Why? Diana Ross, her Extravagant Class, captivating stage presence, effortless vocals , drive, and ability to stay timeless, along with her charitable

Q. How old were you when you first performed in front of an audience (beyond your family or friend) and what did you play/sing? 17 yrs old school talent show. I sang, “ I Am Woman” By Helen Reddy.

heart.

Q. What is your favorite non-jazz tune? Never Walk Alone.

Q. Who inspired you to make music? My mom as she knew I found freedom of expression in music.

Q. What would you want to be if you weren’t a jazz vocalist and songwriter? Being a Licensed Practical Nurse , I have always wanted to own/build a senior housing community (Assisted living) where seniors could have the Freedom, care, assistants to stay in their own apartments.

Q. What influenced you to be a singer-songwriter? When I was a teenager, I saw The Donny & Marie TV show and told my mom that’s what I want to do.

Q. What’s your practice routine like? I sing to other music daily. Vocal warm-ups and breathing techniques though I am not diligent daily unless

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I’m preparing for a show or studio recording.

Connect With Roseann Sureda

Q. Who have been the most influential musi-

Website: www.roseannsureda.com

cians for your own development?” Elvis, Barbara Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Linda Ronstadt.

Q. What’s something you wished you spent more time on as a student / in your early years?

Vocal training, learning to read music.

Q. What recent trends in music training or education do you like the most? The creation/ combining melodies and lyrics of multi - genre musical arranging within a song You Tube learning tools, the availability of musical programs.

Twitter: twitter.com/sureda?lang=en Instagram: www.instagram.com/sureda54/?hl=en Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoseannSuredaMusic YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC7J9DxmNolyHnB_vyZ0OJlQ Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/roseannsuredamusic Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4duG82EFYH3T5eCAdUPbrx

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47

CELEBRATING The Life of Nick Colionne

The only artist in the history of the smooth jazz format to score five consecutive #1 hit singles on Billboard from a single album

1966 - 2022 48

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Chris “Big Dog” Davis, James Lloyd (from Pieces of a Dream) and John Blasucci.

“I’ve always been a very visual songwriter, and the music on Finger Painting is no exception,” Nick says. “To help me set different moods, I often change the colors of the lighting in the studio. My creative process always incorporates the idea of thinking in colors, and to use them for inspiration. Part of the joy of making music is figuring out how to translate those visuals into music that taps into and touches on the same emotions.

Sometimes they’re in my imagination, but I’m also moved when I see the different colors of, for instance, clouds. I imagine them as islands in the sky. It’s usually during the summer when they’re at their brightest.

“I like to see my music as part of an ever-changing dynamic,” he adds, “and that ensures that when I start a new record it’s going to have a

C

very different vibe than my last one. I always ontinuing to capture his creative mindset, vision and the ever-evolving artistry of his music with inspiring, thought-pro-

voking album titles, Nick Colionne calls his latest album Finger Painting for the simple reason that he’s always visualized his Epiphone ES 175 premium guitar as a musical paintbrush painting all

want to create a flow where if your mood changes at any point, you don’t have to change the CD. If you’re grooving on something up-tempo and suddenly want to hear another song that’s slower, laid back and romantic, just keep listening.”

The tunes on Finger Painting powerfully show-

the colorful notes he plays.

case his fresh aesthetic. One of the most remark-

The vibrant cover painting (originally commis-

songs Nick created with writer/producer Chris

sioned by Bettie Grace Miner) features Nick in a bright red shirt and his white Stacy Adams hat surrounded by an impressionistic swirl of multihued blues, yellow streaks and a splash of orange. The wild array of colors perfectly reflects the cool multitude of moods, energies and flow that Nick creates over the course of the eleven tracks with longtime collaborators and producers

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

able aspects of the project is the batch of seven “Big Dog” Davis, who has worked with the best of the best in urban jazz, including Rick Braun, Kim Waters, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Dave Koz and Maysa. Building on a rich sonic chemistry that began when Davis produced “Born Again,” a vocal duet with Maysa on Nick’s 2014 album Influences, Colionne and Davis (credited as writer and producer) weave a dynamic old school

JANUARY 2022

49

Music Submission

www.coffeetalkjazz.com coffeetalkjazz 50

JANUARY 2022

meets contemporary groovin’ magic through a

– the lush, atmospheric “Call Me Love” and the

sensual, atmospheric re-imagining of “The Clos-

bluesy, in the pocket, horn-tinged “Just Let It Be.”

er I Get To You” and six infectious originals – the thumping light funk jam “Let’s Get Serious,” the

While most urban jazz fans started their musical

dreamy and sensual ballad “Romantic Nights,”

love affair with the ultra-stylish (thanks to those

the briskly rolling, divinely discofied (and provoc-

hip Stacy Adams suits and hats) Nick early in the

atively titled!) “Spankies,” a grooved up, brass

2000s, folks in “The Big Windy” had been grooving

fired spin “Right Around the Corner,” the buoyant,

with him years before via his early indie albums,

clapping and thumping soul jazz romp “Riding”

starting with It’s My Turn in 1994. Kicking off his

and a kick ass, big bandish, jazz and blues driven

rise to urban jazz superstardom with his break-

ode to Nick’s beloved home of “Chi-Town.”

through album Just Come On In (2003) and its hit single “High Flyin’,” he has since mastered the

Finger Painting also includes the delightfully mel-

art of Keepin’ It Cool (2006), transcended mu-

low and seductive coolness of “Only 2CU Smile,”

sical boundaries to explore realms where there

the whimsical, high octane explosion of “Circles,”

are No Limits (2008), fired up his thousands of

and two inspiring songs expressing Nick’s long-

worldwide fans with Feel the Heat (2011), dug

time sensual groove connection to James Lloyd

deep into his musical soul to share some of

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JANUARY 2022

51

his deepest jazz and R&B Influences (2014) and made history with his 2016 collection The Jour-

“I feel like a lot of cats try to emulate other play-

ney by becoming the only artist in the history of

ers, especially the legendary figures they’ve

the format to score five consecutive #1 singles on

been inspired by, but I’ve always tried my best

the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay and

to create and cultivate my own vibe,” says Nick

Smooth Jazz Songs charts from a single album.

“That includes when I play live, because when

In 2018, he revealed the secret mindset behind

I’m up there entertaining, I’m there to make it fun

his extraordinary impact. Keeping his incendiary,

and be a bit of a clown at times, too. But I take

yet heartfelt mix of jazz, R&B, funk blues and soulful, seductive vocals fresh, funky and innovative every time out, he once again made it a blast Just Being Me. Nick has received numerous honors throughout his multi-faceted career, including the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award at the 2010 National Smooth Jazz Awards for his ongoing commitment to mentoring children and his work in the community and nationally in support of breast

making music very seriously and do my best to

cancer causes. The recipient of the 1996 Malcolm

always make my albums flow the way the mu-

X College Alumnus of the Year Award (he earned

sic does when I’m onstage. I tell the young kids I

his degree there in music), Colionne has devoted

mentor that instrumental music tells a story, too

much of his spare time over the past 20 years to

– you just have to listen closely for the commas,

mentoring children at St. Laurence K-8 School in

periods and question marks. After all these years,

Elgin, Illinois. His roles include counseling, teach-

I’m excited that I’m still able to inspire so many

ing music, computer music skills and guitar, and

with my Finger Painting.”

assisting with talent shows and holiday pageants.

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53

Tony Exum Jr. “Jazz Watch”

Saxophonist, Touring Musician, Radio Host & Actor

B

SE Recordings/Orchard/Sony Records recording artist Tony Exum Jr is a contemporary jazz, R&B and

funk saxophonist, songwriter and performer with a sultry and soulful sound. In 2019 Tony released his single “My Name’s Tony” receiving national airplay, charting on the Smooth Jazz Network top 100 chart for several weeks. In addition, the My Name’s Tony Spring/Summer 14 city tour, included performances at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival in San Diego, California, Spaghettini’s in Long Beach, California, The

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JANUARY 2022

Soiled Dove Underground in Denver Colorado, Jazz in The Park in Prattville, Alabama and the Winter Park Jazz Festival in Winter Park Colorado to name a few.

Tony is taking 2021 to new heights musically and professionally with an unrestrained passion and impeccable work ethic that is second to none. Performances in 2021 included appearances at the 30th Annual Berks Jazz Fest, Roland’s Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaway, 2021 Jazz Legacy Foundation 8th Annual Gala Weekend with more to be announced for 2022. Tony’s catalog consists of two critically acclaimed albums, “Finally” and “The One” and several Smooth Jazz Top 100 charting singles including Billboard BDS Radio Network #1 most added “Brighter Days” with David P. Stevens and the most recent Smooth Jazz Network top 100 single “Get At You” feat Desmond Washington.

Beyond work as a recording artist Tony has embarked on a career in radio hosting on Colorado Springs FM Station Jazz 93.5 FM with over 20 hours per week of on-air time.

In addition, Tony entered a business venture in late 2019 with Kas’tell Vodka as their Global Brand Ambassador. As an aspiring actor, Tony’s first flim role will commence in 2022 as “Brother Vonner” in the indie film Behind Church Doors (www.behindchurchdoors.com)

NOTEWORTHY

Performed with Gerald Albright, Marcus Anderson, Eric Marienthal, Jackiem Joyner,

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

Eric Darius, Euge Groove, Najee, Nick Colionne, Julian Vaughn, Adam Hawley, Elan Trotman, Blake Aaron, Brian Lenair, Deon Yates, Phillip ‘Doc’ Martin and Paula Atherton. Opened for R&B artists The Delfonics, Denise Williams, Rose Royce, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations Review and Jeffrey Osborne. Performed with Norman Connors, KeKe Wyatt, Sunshine Anderson, Kelly Price, Actor/Singer Leon, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Chi-Lites, The Manhattans, Miki Howard, Dave Hollister, Silk, Donell Jones, Aysha Webb and Gail Jhonson.

CONNECT TONY EXUM JR.

Website: www.tonyexumjr.com JANUARY 2022

55

QA &

With Tony Exum Jr. Q. What the most common saxophone to learn on? What is a C Melody Saxophone? Ah a rare saxophone in the saxophone family popular in the early 20th century. It resembles a Bb Tenor saxophone with it’s curved neck but a C melody saxophone is larger than an alto and smaller than a tenor. It’s popularity began in 1915 but started to wane in 1930. Used primarily in orchestral settings but enjoyed time in popular music as well. The distinguishing characteristic is that it’s keyed in ‘C’ or concert pitch just like a guitar or piano.

Q. What brands of saxophone are best? Great question no real answer. Saxophones are like vehicles or sneakers for athletes. The best saxophones are objective to the player. The are various models, styles, and features unique to these brands. The more experienced and discriminatory players will seek certain things they need

Q. What’s your practice routine like? My routine varies based on my schedule. I go for quality not quantity. Typically 2 hours on average. This time includes fundamental practice i.e. scales and improvisational patterns, overtones, etc. I don’t consider gig prep (learning songs) practice necessarily.

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or fits there sound or stylistic quality they desire.

Some of the brands that are popular are Cannonball, Selmer (probably the most well known brand and a trailblazer in the development of industry standard saxes, Yamaha, Antiqua, P. Mariut, Sax Dakota and many more.

Q. What is the note range on a saxophone? The

my every move, lol!!!! I became very interested in

natural range is low Bb (concert Ab on soprano

the business and picking up the sax at age 11 was

and tenor, concert Db on alto and baritone) to

the gateway to this journey. I saw David San-

High F in general (two and one half octaves) on

born at age 16 and immediately knew I would be

all saxophones with octave range varying be-

onstage one day.

tween them. A rare version of the baritone sax has a low ‘A’ key.

Q. Can you share three reasons why children should learn to play and instrument? Fun! Play-

Q. When did you fall in love with music? I think

ing the instrument of choice is gratifying, chal-

I was as young as 4 or 5. I used to sit and read

lenging and lends itself to the development of

liner notes on albums and j cards from tapes. I

critical thought motor skill levels, and creative

remember listening with headphones to artists

prowess. It’s what the cool kids do! Just joking

like Earth Wind and Fire, the Jacksons, Slave,

but it brings about a sense of accomplishment

P-Funk, etc. Imagining how they look and sound

and self worth especially If the child is in a school

in person and what they may felt while record-

band environment. A great way to cultivate posi-

ing. Or the vision of myself being Ralph in N.E., or

tive interaction with one’s peers. And again it can

MJ, or Bootsy or whomever and I could see me in

lots of fun!

literal form being onstage and the crowd loving

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Good Eats From Brooklyn with love: A New Yorker brings her family’s pizza to DTLA

L

Article Written By: Denise Ada OS ANGELES — Pizza has a special place in the

the last 20 years in the fashion and sales industry.

heart of every New Yorker, but this love runs

After moving to LA 11 years ago, she missed that

even deeper for Carmela Fuccio owner of

sense of tradition.

Pizza Socile in downtown Los Angeles. She opened the restaurant to honor her family traditions and

“LA has this cool energy and vibe, but the culture

welcome the community into her “home.”

of New York, I mean, at the end of

At Pizza Sociale, it all starts with the dough, which is a simple recipe of flour, water and salt.

“I like it to be thin at the bite but still have the air in the crust, so it gives you that New York meets Neapolitan style,” Fuccio said.

As a born and bred Italian New Yorker from Brooklyn, Fuccio knows her pizza. Not only is there a shop on every corner where she comes from, but her mom would regularly whip up some pies for almost any occasion.

“Growing up, when we went to elementary school, everyone would bring cupcakes and my mom was like, ‘You have to bring pizza!’ At first, I was embarrassed, but then everyone loved it and was obsessed with it,” said Fuccio.

But she wasn’t always serving it. Fuccio learned everything from her mother at home but spent

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the day, there’s so much life there and communi-

Fuccio continues to push through despite the

ty and pizza. New York to me is what you think of

obstacles, so she can feed the community and

pizza,” said Fuccio.

honor her mother who passed away six years ago.

She does this by serving her family recipes like the

So, two years ago she opened Pizza Sociale to wel-

meatballs. She changed the recipe a bit from her

come Angelenos in like family. Fuccio put every-

mother’s original creation, using only beef and

thing she had into the business, but the pandemic

stuffing them with cheese.

made it difficult to survive and follow her dream.

“Meatballs are always part of Sunday dinner. I’m

“I’ve given this place my all, my entire savings. I’m

very Italian. My mom always made them fresh,”

not ashamed to say it. It’s my third child. I’m not

she said.

going to give up, but with the pandemic we never had a chance to catch up,” she said.

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The Musician’s Corner

Wayne Gutshall Saxophonist, Educator and Composer

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W

ayne Gutshall is a saxophone player/composer from Miami, Florida. For years Wayne has

played on the Miami music scene and abroad performing with many of the world’s most popular Latin pop stars, Latin jazz stars, and American pop stars.

Wayne recently played on Ed Calle’s Mamblue CD which won a 2015 Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album.

Wayne has performed and recorded with such artists as the Motown Group: The Four Tops, Rita Moreno, Franco DeVita, Arturo Sandoval, Phil Woods, Maria Conchita Alonso, Willy Chirino, The Sábado Gigante T.V. Show Orchestra, Roberto Carlos, Yolandita Mongue, Ed Calle, Albita Rodriguez, Bobby Rydell, Roberto Torres, Dave Valentin, Nestor Torres, Olga Guillot, Roberto Ledesma, Olga Tanon, Fredrico Brito, Roberto Perera, Sammy Figueroa, Nathan Watts and the New World Symphony Orchestra.

Wayne has also recorded various jazz projects and recorded a music instructional video with the drummer and bass player from the Stevie Wonder Band.

a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Music and Jazz and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Education from the University of Miami.

In addition to his performing accomplishments, Wayne was an adjunct professor at Miami-Dade College for seven years.

He was the instructor of saxophone and also taught courses in Music Apprecia-

CONNECT WITH WAYNE

Website - www.waynegutshall.com Facebook - @waynegutshallofficial Instagram - @wgutshalljazz Twitter - @wgutshallalto

tion and Jazz History. Wayne also holds

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Q&A

With Wayne Gutshall Q. At what age did you realize you had a gift to play, write and understand music? Started playing bass clarinet when I was 13 years old then switched to saxophone when I was 15. My high school band director Victor Lopez, who was the lead trumpet player for the Miami Sound Machine, had us do an assignment for Jazz band where we went home and wrote out our solos for the song we were playing. When I came back and played my solo for him he stopped, looked at me very seriously, and said “you got something special”. I think that’s the first time I understood that I knew I had a gift..

Q. How important is it to understand the business side of music? It’s very important to understand the business side of music. I’ve been playing gigs for years and I know many great musicians, and I mean world-class musicians that have been playing for years at a high-level musically that would greatly benefit from knowing more about the music business. In order to get your music out to the public you really need to have a good understanding about how this business works, you need to focus, and put your attention in that area also. There are so many things like radio promotion and marketing, establishing a Network, building your brand, etc… things that necessarily don’t have to do with playing

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your instrument but are also important. In today’s

change about your life? That’s kind of hard to an-

market you need to at least understand these

swer. Because most of the mistakes you’ve made

things or have someone else help you with them.

in your life are sometimes the greatest learning experiences. If I could have told my younger self

Q. Tell us two things we don’t know about you?

to turn to the Lord sooner, that definitely is good

For example, do you like sports? Do you have a

advice.

hidden talent? I really love basketball. I love the improvisational quality of the sport. It reminds me

Prior to hitting the stage for a live performance

a lot of jazz music. My wife thinks I’m good at writ-

do you have any rituals that get you ready? It’s

ing. I’m sure my high school English teacher would

good to get warmed up before hitting the stage.

find that as a hidden talent. As a jazz musician, I

It’s also good to just relax a little before going on

write many songs that are instrumental (without lyrics) but I also love writing songs that contain lyrics like my Christmas song “I Wrapped My Love for Christmas”.

Q. You’re a world class musician, what impresses you most about a well-trained musician? Their drive. It’s always cool to listen to a virtuoso play but I get the same thrill when I hear a well-trained musician leave a lot of space in the music when they’re improvising like Miles Davis. Great musicians, regardless of their technical ability, have an incredible drive. Something inside that pushes them to new heights. It’s a passion. You know it when you hear it. That’s why

stage. Have a snack or just hang with the band.

some guys play a million notes but then you hear one guy play one note like David Sanborn and his

Q. There’s a lot noise on the music highway. How

one note says more than the other guy’s million

did you find your signature sound among so

notes.

many well-known saxophone players? When I recorded my first CD I took some advice from Sting’s

Q. Let’s take a page from the movie back to the

playbook. He said when he would record that he

future. If you could go back and take a page from

wouldn’t listen to any other singers or musicians.

your past. Is there any experience you would

When I recorded my first CD I made sure that I

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coffee much. But I know what you mean. I would love to sit down with John Coltrane and talk with him about music.

Q. In the music business you’ve come in contact with a variety of artists with varying music styles. How important and comfortable are you with various genres of music? Growing up in Miami I’ve had the opportunity to play many different styles of music from Latin to Haitian and from Pop and R&B to Classical. Thanks to my training at the University of Miami, my touring experience, and studio work, I am very comfortable playing a variety of styles.

Q. Your background is fascinating what motivated you to become a teacher? Initially, I didn’t plan on teaching music but I was offered a job to teach private lessons by the saxophone player for the Latin pop star Cheyenne. I like sharing my knowledge and passing it on.

Q. Who was your favorite music teacher and why? Ed Calle, the former saxophone player for Gloria Estefan. He was my saxophone teacher in college but we have stayed in contact over the years as my career has taken off. I used to go see him play every week. He taught the saxophone but I learned the most when I would go hear him play live on a gig! He has been a great help to me didn’t listen to any other saxophone players before I went to record. Of course, you should always study the masters but when you do your own thing you do your own thing. There’s only one John Coltrane. Be yourself.

Q. If you could sit down and have a steaming hot Coffee with any musician past or present, who would it be and why? Funny, I don’t really drink

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and, in my opinion, is one of the best saxophone players to have ever played the instrument. He has provided a great example for me of what it takes to be a world class musician and has always helped me over the years whenever I needed guidance in the music industry. If God had not put him in my life I don’t think I would be where I am right now.

www.Gucci.com COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

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67

KIM PERSON CELEBRATES BILLBOARD 2021 YEAR-END TOP GOSPEL ALBUM APPEARANCE WITH THE JOURNEY 2.0 [EP] 68

JANUARY 2022

The Gospel Truth vocalist Kim Person

Two-Time Stellar Award Nominee Lands at #49 on Top 50 Year-End Charts; EP Spends Consecutive Weeks on Billboard Top Gospel Album Chart

T

wo-time Stellar Award nomi-

reminiscent of a warm hug at a fami-

nated powerhouse vocalist Kim

ly gathering. She credits the source of

Person current project The Jour-

inspiration, her late grandmother, who

ney 2.0 [EP] lands at the No. 49 position

used to sing a rendition of “Wonderful.”

on Billboard 2021 Year-End Top Gospel

Infused with a new twist, Person pro-

Album chart. Released on October 1,

vides her unmatched richness of tone

2021, the 5-song EP also celebrates 7

to groovy-celebratory beat, blending

straight weeks on the Top 30 on Bill-

the perfect arrangement to evangelize

board’s Top Gospel Album chart and

the gospel while connecting with the

peaking at No. 7.

heart of the listeners, those who are truly seeking something wonderful.

Download or stream The Journey 2.0 [EP] here: Apple Music | Amazon Mu-

Journey 2.0 EP is the follow-up to her

sic | Spotify.

May 2019 full-length album The Journey, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top

A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, The

Gospel Albums chart, No. 8 on the Top

Journey 2.0 EP embraces the pro-

Gospel Consumption Album chart and

cess of growth and acknowledges the

spent over 25 weeks in the Top 20 on

voyage toward fully living a faith-led

the same chart. In 2020, the project

life. Featuring her latest single, “Won-

earned her two Stellar Gospel Music

derful,” which is produced by Phillip

Award nominations for New Artist of the

Bryant (Tamela Mann, JJ Hairston),

Year and Contemporary Female Vocal-

Person invites listeners into a space,

ist of the Year.

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69

M

usic fans are typically limited when it

tion values and the time it takes to complete the

comes to connecting with their favorite

project.

artists. They can listen to their music, go

to a live show, buy merch or follow them on social

3. Musicians run the gamut from Grammy winners

media. And now, they can hire them to write cus-

to multiplatinum-selling artists to independents.

tom songs.

4. Downwrite was created to help artists make That’s the premise of a service called Downwrite.

money and connect with fans when so much mu-

The online platform lets fans commission songs

sic is available for free and live performances are

from a diverse roster of Grammy winners, multi-

still in question due to COVID-19.

platinum-selling bands, session musicians and independent artists in a variety of genres for a fee.

“This is quite possibly the future of a way for artists to create music and earn money doing so,” said

What You Need To Know

Justin Warfield, the LA-based lead singer for the

1. Downwrite is an online platform that lets music

darkwave duo She Wants Revenge and vice pres-

fans hire their favorite artists to record custom

ident of artist services for Downwrite, where he is

songs.

also available for hire.

2. Artists set their own prices based on produc-

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Like so many artists who make fractions of a penny

made off that because you see the fractions and

each time a song is played on Spotify and who

decimal points in your royalty statements.”

have been unable to play live shows because of

Downwrite is the brainchild of Chicago-based

COVID-19, Warfield has spent the better part of

musicians Mark Rose and Bob Nanna, who were

the last two years figuring out ways to connect

trying to figure out ways for songwriters to have

with fans. He also was in search of a new stage to

successful, rewarding careers when so much mu-

inhabit since physical spaces in the real world are

sic was available for free online. The platform now

largely inaccessible.

has hundreds of participating artists, running the gamut from relative unknowns to big names like

“We’re able to get the artists we get because they

Art Alexakis of the rock band Everclear, many of

say you’re respecting what we do,” said Warfield,

them based in LA.

who has been drawing upon his 32 years in the industry as a producer, music director and artist to

The Downwrite website lets customers browse

recruit musicians for the platform. “It’s hard as an

artists by genre, instrument, or occasion they’re

artist to see you’ve been streamed 20 million times

hoping to commemorate musically, such as an-

and you’re wondering what your record company

niversary or birthday. Each artist has a dedicated

page listing the types of music they create, the

who likes to be put on a pedestal. “That’s just not

bands they’re in, the instruments they play and

me,” said Sierra, who ends his Ozomatli shows by

their bio, along with music samples and the types

joining the crowd. “If I start thinking, ‘I’m a Gram-

of projects they’ll create for a price.

my-winning artist. Why do this for a regular Joe?’

Once an artist is commissioned, the commission-

Regular Joes buy our records. When they come to

ing customer can then communicate with them

a show, they pay $20 or $25. They buy a T-shirt. I’m

directly, sharing a personal experience or an idea

getting more from this.”

Entertainment News

with the artist, who then transforms it into a song Downwrite, Sierra said, is “going back to basics. I The artist gets 80% of what the commissioner

know I’m the product. I write the music and peo-

pays, with Downwrite taking a 20% cut. If Down-

ple see me play live and that’s the experience of

write places a commissioned song in a television

it. The way we used to make money isn’t what it

show, movie or commercial, the artist is paid 75%

used to be anymore, so this is just a sign of some-

and the person who commissions it makes 5% off

thing cool, interesting, and artistic to be creative

the sale.

for people that really like our music, which is an

Sierra said he has never been the type of musician

honor.”

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Artist Spotlight A World of Bliss begins within ourselves - with the first thought of how we want the world around us to be and what we do to make it a magic place.

Music reminds us of this vision and helps us make the world a better place.” explains Markus Zahrl about the title of his new Album.

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Markus Zahrl Austrian Recording Artist, Composer & Smooth Jazz Saxophonist

A World of Bliss is Markus Zahrl´s first full album as a leader. It follows his EP Celtic Dance, released in 2020 (which had 3 songs in the Top #10 Smooth Jazz Listener Countdown). Featuring eight new original songs, the music is an inspiring and uplifting collection that will be released digitally on April 30, 2021.

Markus says, „This new album is a contra point to the challenging times we have to face in the world right now. Music is a source to stay positive.“ All eight tracks of A World of Bliss were produced and written by Markus. Two songs—“Dreams Come True” and „Joyful Life“ were composed more than 10 years ago. Markus found them again during the planning process and rearranged them for the new Album. They fit perfectly into the mood of the whole project.

The song „Good Vibes“ was inspired by the „handpan“-Instrument that Markus loves to play.

This is a wonderful instrument on which he gets many ideas for his musical life.

2 songs (Chilling in the Nature, Spring is in the house) were a continuous process of the last years to find the final expression of that mood.

Especially the musical ideas of band members - Werner Köck, Wolfgang Köck, Harry Hauser and Christian Grobauer made the songs to a won-

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19. In the 1990s he studied at the Conservatory of Vienna (jazz saxophone) and at the Berklee College of Music Bosten/USA. Markus was a sideman for artists like Kirk Covington, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Bill Dobbins, Concert Jazz Orchestra Vienna, Rounder Girls, Russkaja, Hot Pants Road Club, Waldeck, Andy Lee Lang and many more, touring and doing sessions for many years before releasing his first solo EP in 2020. His EP immediately reach top 10 of Smooth Jazz Listener Countdown with 3 song and gained international attention.

Markus, who lives in the Vienna/Austria area with his wife and his son, says after finishing the recordings for this album: „I can’t wait to play this new music live. Playing live is what I love the most.

Every time I go on stage I enjoy the deep connection and the energy between the audience and the artist. It creates a magical space where wonderful things happen.“ After being in the music business for 30 years, „I still want to make the world a better place with my derful masterpiece. (as with all the songs on the Album) A World of Bliss, Something New and You light up my Love were composed during the pandemic period and they reinforced the theme of the record, of staying strong and positive even when the times are tough.

Markus Zahrls’ personal relationship with music started at the ago of 5 years with playing the drums. At 16, he picked up the saxophone and immediately loved it, and it was pretty much the only thing he wanted to do in his life. At 17, he joined his town’s the local big band and turned pro at

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music“, says Markus, „I want to heal it in some way and help the people who are interested in my music to reach a place where there is love, joy and no suffering.“ That’s what I wanted to express with this song, and what I´m deeply convinced that music can do for us.“ We are pleased to announce that the album “A World Of Bliss” has already reached #13 on the Smooth Jazz Radar Chart and #49 on the Smooth Jazz Top 100 Album

CONNECT MARKUS ZAHRL Website: markuszahrl.com

QA &

With Markus Zahrl

hand, the whole CD should have a unique flow and be like a piece of art. The songs have to fit together in such a way that not only does each song tell its own story, but all the songs together tell a unique story.

Q. What’s has been your greatest Success?

The biggest success for me is still that I have been living my dream of being a professional musician and helping others with music since I was 19. I remember a concert in 2004 at a festival in Vienna where I played in front of 100,000 people. That was the most incredible energy I’ve ever experienced. As far as chart success goes, I’m very grateful to have reached #13 on the Smooth Jazz Singles chart and #49 on the Top 100 Smooth Jazz Album chart with my last album.

Q. What the most important aspect of a song?

The melody, groove, beat, or lyrics? For me, it’s the combination of melody and harmony.

There has to be something magical about it that touches me deeply. Sometimes it happens that I hear a great melody with great harmonies and they touch me so deeply that I don’t even notice the lyrics anymore... unless I hear a really meaningful lyric.

Q. When I listen to music. It feels as if time stands still. The music opens another space where magic happens. When I listen to good music, it’s like

Q. What your deliration process for selecting which track will make the cut for your C.D.?

Usually it depends on the theme I choose for the CD. My last CD, titled “A World of Bliss”, released this year, was dominated by Covid and all its effects. So this time the motivation was to help people with my music in this difficult time, to inspire them and give them hope. On the other

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

paradise ;-) Q. How has your music style involved over the years? I’m the type of person who learns a lot by doing things and making mistakes. It took me a very long time to really find my style of music. I think the reason why my music is so reach of different flavors is because I took the time to

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learn and gain experience. So before I published

focused throughout the day.

my first own piece of music I already played a lot of different styles of music from classical to free

Then the time until 12 o’clock is for my practice

jazz

routine on the saxophone, composing, phone calls, Zoom meet-

Q. Is there one common thread that describes a

ings, office time in general. On 3 days a week I

successful musician? First and foremost, a suc-

teach my students on their instruments in the af-

cessful musician dedicates his work to making

ternoon until about 8pm. On the other days when

other people’s lives brighter, happier and better.

I am not teaching, I have rehearsals, recording sessions or meetings to plan various projects. A

Q. What would your family say is your best qual-

very important part of my life is sports. I try to do

ity? Quote of my wife: „I love his creativity, spon-

yoga three times a week, in

taneity and flexibility.“ Quote of my son (age 13):

addition I go running or walking or Nordic walk-

„I love that he knows a lot about computer.“ ;-)

ing. For me, nature is a fundamental element in my life. That’s why I live near the forest, so I can be there as often as possible. Nature gives me a lot of inspiration for my music.

Q. What advice do you have for anyone starting in the music business? I think it’s very important to have a clear vision in your mind of what you want to achieve - a clear goal. A very important point for me is to have a community of musicians around you who support each other and help them to develop. You have to be focused and consistent, but still have fun with what you’re doing, and not get discouraged when things don’t turn out the way you want them to.

Q. Take our readers through and day your life Markus Zahrl? My daily routine is very varied,

Q. How would you define your music style? After

every day is different. But there are a few routines

being in the music business for 30 years, I still

that are very important for me every day. I usu-

want to make the world a better place with my

ally get up at 6:30 a.m. to prepare breakfast with

music. I want to heal it in some way and help

my family and help with the preparations for the

people who are interested in my music to reach

day. My wife and son leave for work and school

a place where there is love, joy and no suffering.

at 7:15. So the time until 12 is for my personal

That’s what I want to express with my songs, and

things. It starts with my daily meditation prac-

what I am deeply convinced that music can do

tice for about 45 minutes. This is very important

for us.“

for me and helps me to set up my mind and be

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W

MUSIC SUBMISSION ith years of experience, we are offering artist interview services for singers, bands, musicians like you and post it on our website. Our team of experts will review your music and gather information about you then we will make an interview question set. Once you answer those

questions and send those back to us we will post it on our interview section.

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Promote yourself by featuring your music and work in our Artist Interview section.

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If you desire an Artist Interview submit your music send us the details about your music. Our team will review it and send you an artist interview questionnaire.

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You interview will be featured into Google News, throughout the CoffeeTalk Jazz Network and Music Entertainment weekly newspaper.

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Artist Spotlight

Bob Baldwin

Pianist/Composer/Arranger/Author

A

n American Pianist/Composer/Arranger/

the Native New Yorker. “Concerts were eliminated

Inventor. The Mt. Vernon, NY native has

in 2020, but fortunately, owning your own music

recorded on six of the seven inhabitable

makes you halfway covid-proof.”

continents, and while Antarctica is not on his recording bucket list, his international list, including

His current 2021 release “The UrbanSmooth Suite”

Dubai, Brazil, South Africa, Spain, UK, Canada, is

was a vocal extravaganza with various vocalists

quite impressive. “Whether it’s a massive festival

Monica Mason, Regina Troupe, Toni Redd and oth-

crowd of 30,000 or an intimate restaurant audi-

ers as well as Earth, Wind and Fire original Ralph

ence of 60, I refuse to rob my audience of great

Johnson on the uptempo “Dance 3000” are all

music and a good experience”, says Baldwin.

highlights.

The pianist’s personal goal is to release a 12-song

His 2020 piece, “Henna” explored a more natural

project per year, and since 1988, he has released

sound with the aforementioned Da’ Silva, Anderson

over 34 projects, of which 27 are owned by his

and Lewis, but his 12-solo piece with Nils, Beasley,

company, City Sketches Records.

Alford, Whiteside and company on “Club Life” was the record highlight.

Bob’s upcoming disc, “The Stay at Home Series” marks an industry adjustment. Recorded in 2020-

His ‘theme’ projects of Stevie Wonder, Thom Bell

2021, this is a closed live recording in the studio

and Michael Jackson have all charted mightily on

with some of his New York musical compadres.

the Billboard Jazz charts, all hitting in the top 15.

With Cafe Da Silva and Chembo Corniel on per-

His very latest, Abbey Road and the Beatles has

cussion, and his longtime music friends Tony Lewis

also crept into the top 20 on the charts as well.

and Dave Anderson on drums and bass, the new project will spit out a Volume 2 in the near future.

Previous releases of Never Can Say Goodbye and Never out of Season, were both remixed and

“Being a musician, we obviously had to make

remastered in the spirit of hi-def. Whereas old-

adjustments to the way we all do music,” says

er recordings would peak at the average 16-bit

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maximum, Bob is trying to push the envelope

showcases original music, plus music from leg-

in re-tracking some of the music in 24-bit (and

endary writers and artists like Djavan, Ivan Lins and

sometimes 32-bit mode).

Antonio Carlos Jobim.

What’s next? Well...funny you should ask. Bob Bald-

Also, check out his holiday disc, “The Gift of Christ-

win is re-writing and updating his book, “You Better

mas”, featuring Marcus Anderson and Corvina

Ask Somebody”, and will go in a little deeper on

Nielsen, released in 2016.

subjects like music streaming and the lowdown on Croton Jazz.

CONNECT WITH BOB BALDWIN website: www.bobbaldwin.com

The Brazilian-American Soundtrack (2016) was his

Twitter:@baldwin77

22nd disc, and is a fantastic journey through Rio,

Linkedin: bob-baldwin-0007575

Ipanema Beach, Atlanta and New York City and

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Q&A

With Bob Baldwin early as I can remember, but my dad recognized it when I was 5 or 6 taking piano lessons. He unlocked that vibration inside me. He began me on my journey.

Q.What brings you joy? Being able to tell people that when my dad fell ill (former pianist, photographer, graphic design, amazing billiard player… lol), we agreed that his music would travel into the world through me.

We took that journey together when I released my first music in 1984 until he died in 2008. It was a wonderful covenant and the joy is in the response of the listener. The letters I receive about how the music has blessed a complete stranger, saving them from emotional despair, or getting

Q. What does music mean to you? Music has always had a ‘real life’ element, meaning that there should be no barrier between ‘art’ and ‘life’.

When you fuse both elements together, the music is pure and has no boundaries to transcend into a person’s being or life. Music is an energy life force gifted from our wonderful creator that should never be taken for granted. When you use the music any other way as an ulterior motive, strange things happen. In any event, I’m just a mere vessel in the whole process.

Q.When did you first fall in Love with music? As

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them through a chemo appointment, all beautiful things that the music has created.

Q. What impresses you about a musician? Drummers and organists; the ability to use legs and arms to build a rhythm, Woodwinds; to be able to blow beautiful tones into a metal object, Pianists; we are the thinking people, always looking at the entire picture in a frame to determine what colors are missing from that picture (as an arranger), and the ability to push a box of wooden elements to create beautiful harmony and percussive sounds, and to create a mood in the room. Guitarists; to take 6 strings, bend the

notes, make them loud or soft…that’s to describe

even in the poorest regions, just screams love

a select few. Each instrument has it’s own char-

and happiness and peace, showing us all that

acter.

you don’t need money to achieve happiness.

What really amazes me is when you can take one piano and have 10 people play it, and each

Q. What’s your creative process for writing a

performance has it’s own character unique to

good song? Is it the melody, the lyrics or the

the player.

rhythm? I follow the spirit. Sometimes, it starts with a beat, or I may hear a melody fragment

Q. You’ve traveled extensively over the course

in the store and have to pull my phone out a

of your career and you’ve visited many places.

scratch out a thought, or I may intentionally

Do you have a favorite Ports of Call? The cre-

pursue a certain groove and build around that.

ation of Dubai blows my mind, creating a land

Sometimes, I may just have a real strong melody

mass from desert elements shows how cre-

and go from there. There are many ways to build

ative and productive man can be when he’s not

that house.

caught up in his/her self. The sounds of Brazil, Q. What has music taught you? To be patient when making music as you should with life. It is a process. To be open-minded about changes, When I play a show, I’m constantly reading the room, and that gift also transcends when you’re around people in general. When you react to the room, you can be a better steward to your fan base, friends and family.

Q. Walk our readers through a day in the life of Bob Baldwin? In a given week, rise, give thanks to the father, drink my water, hit the vitamins, get in some practice, do a little business, prepare for the next project (s), check in on family, get some walking in. Try to keep a clear mind so I can create and be fluent in my gift. The worst thing is to be creatively constipated, so always fighting to create space, peace and clarity. There are always challenges to achieving that, but a daily reinvention of self…that’s pretty much it.

Having said all of that, life gets in the way, right?

The life in the way part is called ‘caretaking’, and at my age, either you’re taking care of the elderly or raising a child. My case falls under the former.

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So everything I mentioned can get shelved real

with variety of artist with varying music styles.

quick and you have to submit to your inner

As an artist is it important to be comfortable with

morals and tend to that mission at hand, which

various genres of music. Absolutely! I grew up

is anything from caretaking to filling out Medic-

listening to the original artform of jazz with Oscar

aid and medicare forms, power of attorney and

Peterson, Miles, Herbie, Coltrane. Then I did some

health proxy duties, holding nursing homes and

classical lessons in my single-aged years. Once I

others accountable, all in the name of saving a

got enough vocabulary down and had the facility

loved one’s life. And in that process, other things

to execute, the rest was easy. Smooth Jazz, Funk,

in your life may get delayed or even suffer, re-

Gospel, Urban music is just a simpler by-prod-

lationships, projects, and in the end, only the

uct of Jazz and classical. In those arenas, less is

strongest built foundations will endure. So a day

more, you just have to know where to simplify…

in the life of Bob Baldwin or someone reading this

because at the end of the day, we all play the

interview may not be so cut and dry.

same 12 notes in a scale.

Q. In the music business you come on contact

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“LESSONS” (REMIX) was written by Eric Roberson, Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn and Kevin Ross and produced by Anikan & Vader and Jairus Mozee. (Quote - Inspiration behind the song). “LESSONS” is lifted from Eric Roberson’s anticipated forthcoming 14th studio album, entitled “LESSONS”. The album will be released in Januar y, 2022, via the B.L.U.E. ERRO SOUL label imprint.

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LESSONS A rtist Spotlight

“LESSONS” (REMIX) received its exclusive First Listen on RollingOut.com.

“With over 20 years in the game as an independent artist, Roberson is rightfully celebrating a worthy milestone and his new release, “Lessons,” is a fitting entry for a resume worth its weight in platinum,” mentions N. Ali Early, Senior Editor of RollingOut.com.

(AUDIO LINK) “LESSONS” (REMIX) by ERIC ROBERSON featuring ANTHONY HAMILTON, RAHEEM DEVAUGHN and KEVIN ROSS

T

he inspiration and concept for “Les-

my favorite writers. I’m honored to get their

sons” came to Eric around 3am on the

perspectives on the ups and downs of love

morning of his 13th wedding anniversa-

and how it all leads us to where we are sup-

ry. Eric was sitting in his studio feeling rather

posed to be,” mentions Roberson.

creative and as he was reflecting over his

Raheem DeVaughn adds, “For sometime it’s

life, he started working on an idea that would

been on my vision board to be in a Soulful

soon become the song, “Lessons.” He posted

R&B super-group with both Anthony, Eric and

60 seconds of the song online and then went

Dwele, the only thing missing after this remix is

to bed. What Eric woke up to, was the biggest

a follow-up album, LOL! Hearing Kevin Ross on

reaction he has received from his music in

the remix is breathe of fresh air he’s definitely

years: thousands of his fans downloaded the

one of the new millennium King’s killing the

snippet of the song. “God has a funny way

game for the future of soul & r&b“.

of showing you lessons. Often times, we feel

“I’m honored to be on the Lesson Remix with

good about a release, but rarely do we have

such seasoned vets in the game. Each artist’s

the luxury of knowing ahead of time that it

perspective and approach on this record is

works,” says Eric.

different, which makes it exciting to listen to.

“With the remix, I didn’t want to just get three

Eric is a mastermind in how he put this togeth-

of my favorite singers, I also wanted three of

er,” shares Kevin.

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Jazz Watch

Heidi Tann

Filipina American Vocalist & Songwriter 92

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Have you ever had a childhood dream come true?

“Here is Where We Meet” is just that for Heidi.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Heidi discovered her musical gift and the joy of entertaining at a young age.

A

s she developed her voice and craft over

an example on the values of hard work and per-

the years, she has set her sights on rele-

severance.

asing an album that reflects her musical

style—smooth and pop jazz, with a mix of bossa

This experience also intensified her resolve as an

nova and Latin jazz, plus R&B.

artist. Today, she is a proud mother to that same daughter, Hannah, who, as a scholar, gradua-

Heidi is no stranger to performing in international

ted Summa cum Laude from the University of

venues. After completing her bachelor’s degree

Southern California’s Annenberg School.

from Manila at age 22, she immediately chased her dream, embarking on solo gigs throughout Asia. This path saw her performing in musical

What makes Heidi different?

venues in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore,

“My cultural heritage and my experience. Even

Indonesia, and Guam.

when I sing these songs in my chosen genre, my FilAm roots are palpable in my delivery and the

Life was not always smooth sailing in Heidi’s

feel and tone of my songs. The sum total of my

earlier years of entertaining. As a single mother,

experience enables me to bring depth to the

singing provided her with the strength she nee-

songs I perform.”

ded to carry on; oftentimes performing as much as 5x a week, to provide for her daughter and set

CONNECT WITH HEIDI

Website - www.heiditannmusic.com Twitter - @HeidiHeidydiva

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&

QA

Heidi Tanm shares his music journey.

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Q. What period of music history speaks to you most? Is it the 50’s 60’s 70’s or another decade?

The 70’s and 80’s for a lot of reasons. I believe music from the 70’s and 80’s was “better” because there was more use of live instrumentation and artists were more adventurous.

They were incredibly diverse both in sound and content. I also fell in love with the song in the 50’s as it embodies rock and roll, doo-wop, pop, swing, rhythm and blues, blues, Country music, rockabilly, and jazz music dominated.

Q. How has your music and style evolved over time?

My taste for jazz was always with me since I was a child listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Natalie Cole, Sergio Mendes, Patti Austin and Duke Ellington.

I do like Bossa nova and Broadway songs but developed my likeness for R & B, funk, and soul music and still like some pop music.

Q. At what age did you realize you had the gift to sing and perform?

Started at the age of five, listening to my aunt playing piano and find myself singing along with them and singing the songs on the radio. They will call me to sing for family parties.

Q. Do you think that music gives people a source of hope?

Music gives us hope and inspiration, it comforts us during difficult times but also make us move, dance and celebrate togetherness. Music allows us to connect to our humanity in way nothing

Q. If you could select one dream music producer to work with, who would it be and why?

Duke Ellington if he was alive, I chose him for his melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic characteristic, he was the star of the swing era. He is a very gifted and genius musician.

Q. Do you feel it’s important to pass the music baton on to the next generation?

Music is universal and can be understood in any country no matter what language is spoken...probably the only form of language that is understood universally.

else can.

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In Memoriam 96

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Virgil Abloh 1980 - 2021

NEW YORK (AP) — Designer Virgil Abloh, a

leading fashion executive hailed as the Karl Lagerfeld of his generation, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 41.

A

bloh’s death was announced Sunday by the luxury group LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) and the Off White label, the brand

Abloh founded. Abloha was the men’s wear designer of Louis Vuitton.

“We are all shocked after this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,” Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of LVMH said in a statement.

A statement from Abloh’s family on the designer’s Instagram account said for the last two years, Abloh battled cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer in which a tumor occurs in the heart.

“He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture,” the statement read. Abloh is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh and his children, Lowe and Grey.

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The Inaugural Jazz Music Awards: Celebrating the Spirit of Jazz is Set for October 2022 in Atlanta (Atlanta, GA – November 12, 2021) – The inaugural Jazz Music Awards: Celebrating the Spirit of Jazz has announced its awards ceremony, scheduled on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in metro Atlanta, GA. For five decades the premier venue is the home to Broadway shows, ballets, concerts, operas, and more. Presented by Jazz 91.9 WCLK, a public radio station licensed to Clark Atlanta University and known as “Atlanta’s Jazz Station,” the Jazz Music Awards (JMA) will be a dynamic presentation that recognizes the iconic spirit of jazz by shining a spotlight on Mainstream and Contemporary Jazz musicians who continue to make a mark on the music and the industry. The hosts, performers, presenters, and special honorees will be announced at a later date.

The Jazz Music Awards will recognize a broad

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spectrum of creators within the national and

“For the 47 years that WCLK has been on the air,

international jazz world, from mainstream and

we have played and specialized in all genres of

contemporary musicians, vocalists, and big bands,

jazz,” says Wendy Williams, General Manager of

to composers, individual songs, and full-length

WCLK, who has been at the helm for 27 years. We

albums. The eligibility period for the 2022 awards

play mainstream, contemporary, fusion, straight-

ceremony starts from April 1, 2021, through March

ahead, and modern jazz. We have run the gamut.

31, 2022. The online submissions will begin on New

That’s been the history of the station and quite

Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1, 2022, through

frankly, the secret to our success. We are still

Thursday, March 31, 2022. The award categories

standing. And for more than fifteen years, we have

are as follows: Best Mainstream Artist, Best Con-

complemented our on-air with the presentation of

temporary Artist, Best Duo, Group or Big Band, Best

live jazz concerts, that have helped to support the

New Jazz Artist (Contemporary or Mainstream),

operations of our nonprofit NPR-member public

Best Jazz Vocalist, Best International Artist (Con-

radio station. We have always enjoyed the sellout

temporary or Mainstream), Best Mainstream

crowds and the joy the listeners feel when they see

Album, Best Contemporary Album, Jazz Innovator

us at concerts.”

of the Year, Composer of the Year, Educator of the Year, Jazz Legacy Award, and Song of the Year

Williams and David Linton, the station’s program

(Fan Vote).

director and the former record label executive, reached out to Rushion McDonald, the founder of 3815 Media, who will head the production for the upcoming star-studded celebration. A two-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and a three-time NAACP Image Award winner, McDonald is the host of the popular “Money Making Conversations” podcast. 3815 Media will produce the Jazz Music Awards and its red-carpet event with plans to launch a live award telecast globally.

McDonald is the architect behind producing multi-media platforms for major clients, including the career of Steve Harvey and the widely successful Hoodie Awards, later renamed the Neighborhood Awards. His expansive work as a writer and producer also includes collaborations with other celebrity talents such as Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique, Tia and Tamara Mowry, Stephen A. Smith, Jamie Foxx, and others from New York City to Hollywood. He has also created national media campaigns for State Farm,

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Ford, JC Penny, General Mills, iHeart Radio, Radio

time Grammy Award-winning recording artist and

One, NBC, BET, and ABC networks, just to name a

NEA Jazz Master, Terri Lyne Carrington, who will

few. For more information about Rushion McDon-

lead the musical direction and serve as a con-

ald, go to rushionmcdonald.com.

sultant to the first-ever awards ceremony. With technical wizardry and profound creativity, Car-

Linton says “This is an exciting time in the 47-year

rington has become one of the giants of today’s

history of Jazz 91.9 WCLK. I’ve worked with this

jazz music. The multi-talented drummer, compos-

station as a label executive and I know how in-

er, producer, and educator, Carrington began her

strumental it has been in the careers of so many

professional career at ten years old and received a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music at the age of eleven. Her artistry and commitment to education earned her honorary doctorates from Manhattan School of Music and Berklee College of Music, where she currently serves as founder and artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice.

To date, she has released eight career albums.

She is the first female artist to ever win the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, which she received for her 2013 project, Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue. Since she started her career, she has worked as an in-demand musician in New York City and later moved to Los Angeles, where she gained recognition on late-night TV as the house drummer for both “The Arsenio Hall Show” and Quincy Jones’ “VIBE TV” show, hosted

artists, especially, jazz artists and it remains so

by Sinbad. To date, Carrington has performed on

today. When Wendy spoke to me about return-

more than one hundred recordings and has been

ing to the station as its program director in 2018,

a role model and advocate for young women and

I was thrilled. Now to have an opportunity to help

men internationally through her teaching and

write another chapter in WCLK’s storied history

touring careers. She has worked extensively with

is an honor. The time is right for the Jazz Music

jazz giants and legends including Herbie Hancock,

Awards and WCLK is well-positioned to deliver this

Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau, Stan Getz, Woody Shaw,

long-overdue awards show. This is going to be

Clark Terry, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves,

a historic and momentous event for all who love

James Moody, Joe Sample, Esperanza Spalding,

jazz.”

and more. For more information about Terri Lyne Carrington, go to terrilynecarrington.com.

The Jazz Music Awards committee secured three-

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looking across the musical landscape, that there was a dearth of major broadcast awards ceremonies honoring the creativity and work of one of America’s first indigenous musical art forms: Jazz.

Just as Williams, program director Linton, and her staff began to think about mounting a larger jazz celebration, COVID-19 put all performances on pause. “These musicians have been sidelined for a year and a half, and the audience has been missing out,” she says. “I felt we should come back in a big way.”

In addition, says Williams, the event will include an educational component on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, as well as a black-tie, preawards show gala at the Cobb Centre on Friday, October 21, 2022, the day before the awards presentation. The Friday program will include interactive sessions from world-renowned experts in the field of jazz, and classes will also feature small “There is so much excitement and anticipation building around the Jazz Music Awards,” says Williams. “I have always known that Terri Lyne is an amazing talent and very accomplished drummer, composer, and educator. The more I peel back the layers, I am fascinated that she has covered so much territory in her career. She is also a highly sought-after music director for large-scale prestigious jazz and musical productions around the world. And we all know she has performed with and directed some of the best and that’s why she is perfect for our inaugural award show.”

As a presenter of live jazz performances over the years, selling out some of Atlanta’s largest music venues, and mounting annual benefit shows, WCLK began to present performers with its Jazz Legacy Award. Over the last few years, Williams noticed,

COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

group workshops facilitated by leading creators in the music and performing arts industries for high school and college students as well as the public.

“Participants will be able to learn and glean something that’s taking place in the jazz music industry from some of the best,” says Williams. “So, we want to make it an empowering and spectacular weekend that uplifts and promotes this music. As soon as COVID lifted, you saw the performers out on the road again and the jazz festivals were back. Now, this is a collective way to have them all on a stage being loved upon, being celebrated the same way we see at other music awards shows. We have to do this.”

For more information and updates about the Jazz Music Awards and Jazz 91.9 WCLK, go to: wclk.com.

JANUARY 2022

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Musician’s Corner Edison Herbert

E

International Guitarist

dison Herbert is a gifted and melodic gui-

George Benson. They have stayed in touch, and

tarist. Born in Leeds, he started playing the

he remains a friend and mentor. Singer songwriter

piano as a young boy encouraged by his

Lianne La Havas jammed with Edison on the same

parents. While studying classical piano at Yorkshi-

show, and she described him as mega talented.

re College of Music, he began teaching himself to play guitar. He gained valuable experience per-

Edison heads up a trio featuring Neville Malcom

forming at church with small gospel groups and

on double bass and drummer Winston Clifford. In

choirs.

2015 Edison was sponsored by the Arts Council to tour with their first album “My Favorite Tunes”. A

This passion for the guitar resulted in further stu-

second album “All I Need” was recorded in 2019

dies at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama

and release dates are still to be finalized.

where he performed with The Guildhall Big Band featuring Randy Brecker at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz

Edison has been hard at work throughout 2020.

Club.

His new album project “Time for Love” was funded

by The Arts Council. It’s a change of direction with

Musician, composer, arranger and bandleader.

an exciting new band line up and an eclectic mix

Edison was musical arranger for the West End

of original compositions and popular covers.

musical “Unforgettable and was musical director

on the international tour. He has composed mu-

After much uncertainty and many twists and

sic for BBC Radio 4 and performed with The Jazz

turns “Time for Love” is recorded and ready to go.

Warriors, Rose Royce and Kim Burrell and various

2021 is here and things are going in the right direc-

other artists.

tion. Edison will be posting regular updates over the coming weeks. As winter turns to spring, come

Edison took part in the Sky Arts series Guitar Star.

with him on a journey of joy, hope and together-

He performed one of his original compositions for

ness. Now is the time for love.

Edison’s album ‘Time For Love’ is a collection of originals and more of his favorite songs. All recorded in London at TYE Studios. There is so much to enjoy on this new project.

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&

QA

Edison Herbert shares his music journey.

Q. What is your best quality as musician? I think my best quality as a musician is being able to write songs that create moods that keep people interested.

Q. Would you agree that music is a marker of memories? What’s best childhood memories as it relates to music? Music certainly is a marker of memories. I remember discovering We Montgomery for the first time. A guitarist I met asked me if I had heard of Wes. I must have been around 14 at the time. He suggested I stop by his house and pick up the record. So I did. The album was ‘The Wes Montgomery Trio’ A new dynamic sound. On hearing it I was hooked.

Q. What’s your process to determine if a song with make the cut for your CD project? When it comes to choosing songs for an album. I often write songs but have a policy that I never write anything down until I have finished the song. The first test is if I cannot remember the song the following day it wasn’t worth keeping.

Q. What do you value most about your music gift? There are a few things I really value about my musical gift. One is that there are times when you

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just play because you want to. Not because there

to the future. IF you could change anything about

is a performance coming up. You just have con-

your past what would change and why?

versations with yourself through your instrument

That’s a good question. Everyone’s musical journey

and often when there is craziness surrounding us.

is different and so in terms of looking back I tend

You can zone out and be creative.

to look forward and try to develop fresh ideas.

The other thing I value, is that music is all about

Q. How has your music style involved or change

communication, the communication between

since you started playing music? My musical style

band members and the communication with your

has always been influenced by what I listen to.

audience. Every does not have to be said verbally

Although I can adapt to different styles and I enjoy

but music is a language all can understand.

doing so. As a guitarist I have always been drawn to beautiful melodies.

Then once I have a selection, I mix songs up so each song is not similar and there is variety. There

Three of my main guitar influences are George

are also so many great songs out there. I like to go

Benson, Wes Montgomery and Grant Green. These

back in time and choose some of my favorites and

guys new how to select, play and arrange songs

re-arrange them.

that would keep the interest of their audiences.

Q. If you could take page from the hit movie back

So as far as evolving. I feel I constantly am trying

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to improve my playing style but I always keep the

He shares great stories and we enjoy jammin’ and

audience in mind.

talking guitar.

Q. If you could sit down and having steaming hot

Q. How important is it for an artist to understand

Coffee any musician past or present, who would

the business side of music? Understanding the

it be and why? I have been very fortunate as I

business is as important as the music. You have to

sat down having well not steaming coffee but a

be open to learning more as the business is con-

drink with my mentor and friend. George Benson. I

stantly changing.

always wanted to meet him. It so happens in 2016 I took part in a show called Guitar Star. Mr. Ben-

Q. What musical do you play? I am a jazz player,

son was one on the mentors. He certainly put me

I tend to like grooves and ballads, so my music

to the test. After the show I was able to meet up

leans toward the smooth side, although I hate that

with him. Since then, I have been very fortunate to

term.

spend time with Mr. Benson when he is in the UK.

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Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor STORYTELLER | MUSICIAN | EDUCATOR | LIFE COACH

M

walim DaPhunkee Professor views his work as a composer/ musician/ vocalist/ producer, as an extension of his world as a master storyteller.

An accomplished and multi-award-winning composer, pianist, per-

cussionist, violist, and vocalist; his years as a session player, and producer have empowered him with the musical shape-shifting abilities to slide in and out of genres with ease and grace. MWALIM’s music is a soulful, engulfing experience of lush harmonies, flowing grooves, and funky foundations. Aside from his numer-

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ous, anonymous contributions to recordings as a session player, band director, and remixer over the last 35+ years; along with his work as a solo artist, as well as his role as the keyboardist and a vocalist with the multi-Grammy nominated soul-funk ensemble, The GroovaLottos have earned Mwalim the additional moniker, the Godfather of Southcoast Thump & Soul, a reference to the Southcoast region of Massachusetts where he resides and creates. He calls his creative process and output “Bronx Boheme” in honor of his place of physical birth and creative development.

My life is about telling stories with and without words, melodies, grooves, moods, and occasionally, lyrics.” Considered by critics and peers alike to be one of the contemporary masters of the oral

traditions, songs, jokes, plays, articles, books, conversations, movies, speeches, sermons, and skits. A master storyteller understands the intrinsic elements of spinning a tale and can apply them to any medium.”

- Mwalim Coming from long family lines of West

Indian/Bajan (Barbados) and Mashpee Wampanoag oral traditionalists, it was of little surprise that Mwalim would tell stories to his classmates in nursery school and kindergarten, or that he began winning awards for storytelling in the 7th grade, and city-wide short-story contests in high school.

While in college, he began his career as a

tradition, MWALIM “DaPhunkee Professor” (Morgan James Peters) is a multi-award-winning composer, musician, theater artist, writer, and educator whose works span the mediums of sound recordings, books, plays, films, videos, and multimedia installations. An accomplished composer, musician, and singer in the genres of jazz, soul, House Music, and Afrobeats, Mwalim’s a three-time winner of the New England Urban Music Awards for Jazz and is the writer and co-producer of The GroovaLottos six-time Grammy nominated album, “Ask Yo’ Mama”.

“Storytelling is a central element to human existence.

Our history, philosophy, lore, and experiences are the basic subjects from which we draw stories, taking the form of oral COFFEETALK JAZZ MAGAZINE

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and Mashpee Wampanoag oral traditionalists, it was of little surprise that Mwalim would tell stories to his classmates in nursery school and kindergarten, or that he began winning awards for storytelling in the 7th grade, and city-wide short-story contests in high school. While in college, he began his career as a storyteller and spoken word artist, interweaving storytelling with a lifelong love of music as a violist, pianist, percussionist, and singer. Playing Carnegie Hall before the age of 14 and -at 16 -becoming one of the youngest session players in EMI history-Mwalim’s story is a rich and multi-dimensional one.

After completing his MS in Film Boston University, he studied theater arts education and playwriting at New African Company in Boston. His plays began getting productions in Boston and after a reading at the 1999 National Black Theatre Festival, storyteller and spoken word artist, interweaving

his plays and performances pieces began receiv-

storytelling with a lifelong love of music as a violist,

ing productions throughout the USA and Canada

pianist, percussionist, and singer. Playing Carne-

as well as the UK and Caribbean. For over 30 years

gie Hall before the age of 14 and -at 16 -becoming

as a performer, teaching artist and curriculum de-

one of the youngest session players in EMI histo-

velopment consultant, Mwalim has taught theater

ry- Mwalim’s story is a rich and multi-dimensional

and language arts as well as music for private and

one.

public schools, community programs, arts academies, colleges, and conferences throughout the

After completing his MS in Film Boston University,

United States and Canada. His stages and class-

he studied theater arts education and playwrit-

rooms have included theaters, arenas, nightclubs,

ing at New African Company in Boston. His plays

schools, libraries, museums, community centers,

began getting productions in Boston and after a

festivals, street corners, powwows, colleges, tem-

reading at the 1999 National Black Theatre Festival,

ples, jails, and churches.

his plays and performances pieces began receiving productions throughout the USA and Canada

Mwalim is a recipient of numerous awards, fellow-

as well as the UK and Caribbean. Coming from

ships and grants for theater, music, and media

long family lines of West Indian/Bajan (Barbados)

arts; including the Ira Aldridge Fellowship, New

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York Theatre Forum, Osborne Trust Fellowship, Yen Fellowship, and the Healey Grant, He has been the Playwright-In-Residence at New African Company in Boston since 2004. He is the keyboardist

Studies at UMass Dartmouth.

Connect with Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor

and resident songwriter for the 6-time Grammy

Website: www.daphunkeeprofessor.com

nominated band The Groova Lottos. Mwalim is a

Facebook: @daphunkeeprofessor

tenured professor of English, Communications,

Instagram: @mwalim

and Black Studies, and the former Director of Black

Twitter: @mwalim

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Musician’s Corner QUESTION & ANSWER With Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor

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Q. Which period of music history speaks to you and why? I would say the initial funk era, the mid 1960s to the late 1970s. It was a period where -socially- Black folks were embracing an Afrocentric aesthetic and it was very positively impacting the music, including the expanded use of African and Afro-Caribbean percussion, and polyrhythms.

Q. Do you think that people look to music to give them hope? People look to music for hope, healing, relief, answers, mediation, prayer... it is central to our lives.

Q. How important is it to continue to educate yourself about the business of music? If you are going to be in the business, you need to constantly educate yourself on the business and how it is changing.

Q. When interviewing a potential producer for your project. What’s your deliberation process for selecting which producer you’ll use on each track? I came into this game to be a producer.

My tracks are like my audition for artists seeking a producer. I do collaborate with other producers on a project-per-project basis.

Q. Who is your dream collaboration? I would love to co-write and produce an album with Vivian Green or Abby Dobson.

Q. When did you fall in love with music? I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love or wasn’t aware of music. My mother tells me that I would smile, laugh, and bounce to music in my high-chair as

Q. If you could sit down and have steaming hot Coffee with musician from the past who would it be and why? My granddad, Allan Nurse. He was a brilliant musician, composer, and music educator, and I miss him. A close second would be Duke Ellington, as we had a similar path to development as pianists and composers.

an infant. I had a close-and-play record player as a toddler; the kind that plays 45s. I loved music class in elementary school, and music was always a thing at home.

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Soul Train Awards Maxwell, Ashanti, Silk Sonic, Ari Lennox, Leon Bridges And Lucky Daye Announced As Performers The Soul-Cypher will feature D-Nice, Musiq Souchild, Elle Varner and more!

BET announced the performance line up for the 2021 Soul Train Awards and this

year’s show is about to be lit. Get ready

to see the 2021 Soul Train Awards “Legend Award” honoree Maxwell, “Lady of Soul” honoree Ashanti, R&B super duo Bruno

Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, R&B/Soul songstress Ari Lennox, soul singer/songwriter and producer Leon Bridges, R&B

singer Lucky Daye, and more hit the stage.

The Soul Train Awards annual Soul-Cypher is a tradition started by former show host Erykah Badu and features a group of artists freestyling to a beat. The cypher will

bring together some of today’s top vocal-

ists for what promises to be an electrifying

performance. Led by DJ D-Nice, the cypher this year will feature Musiq Soulchild, Jac Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Elle Varner, and

Tone Stith. As a nod to the 20th Anniversary of her self-titled album Aaliyah, the late R&B great’s hit single “Rock the Boat” pro-

vides both theme and instrumental for the cypher.

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Jesse Cook

N

Producer, Composer, & Guitarist

ASHVILLE, TN (December 3, 2021)

— Jesse Cook — the multi-Platinum/ Gold award-winning and interna-

Libre arrives alongside the album’s stand

out track, “Number 5,” and its music video.

tionally acclaimed producer, composer,

“I wrote and recorded Libre during the pan-

dio album, Libre. Out today via Jesse’s own

for freedom,” Cook shares of the new proj-

and guitarist — has released his 11th stu-

Coach House label imprint, distributed by

Outside Music/Redeye, the 10-track album

combines Cook’s iconic Spanish guitar flair with Algerian multi-instrumentalist Fethi Nadjem, modern trap rhythms and 808 beats.

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demic when, like most people, I was longing ect. “My music was my escape from the four walls that surrounded me, and the storm

that was swirling outside.” The inspiration for Libre came from a long summer-day

drive with his 14-year old, Cook reveals. “My daughter entertained me with her favor-

ite playlists, much of which were trap and

808-inspired. I loved them too, and a ques-

more information and to purchase tickets.

my music sound like mixed with those

It’s been more than 25 years since the in-

tion was planted in my mind: ‘what would sounds?’”

Cook also recently announced the first leg of his 2022 U.S. “Tempest II” Tour. The tour was originally set to take place in 2020 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his

acclaimed debut album, Tempest. Launching in Spokane, WA on January 19 at Bing

Crosby Theater and spanning 43-dates, the trek will take Cook and his band through

the West Coast, Midwest and the Northeast.

View the complete tour itinerary here to find

ternationally-lauded virtuoso first stepped

onto the scene with his now-iconic release, Tempest. In the time since, he’s come to

hold ten Gold and Platinum studio albums

with a combined sales of two+ million cop-

ies, five concert DVDs and live discs, five PBS

specials, and multiple awards — a JUNO win, 11 nominations, three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, a Gemini, and an Acoustic Guitar Magazine Player’s Choice Silver Award.

The digital convergence of the past several years has also resulted in Cook’s music streaming in rather impressive numbers

across a series of platforms; by September 2021, his Spotify stats had surpassed 55+

million, and plays on Pandora soared be-

yond the 300+ million milestone. YouTube’s universal visual appeal has also grown

steadily for Cook’s connection with audi-

ences, with his channel accumulating upwards of 25+ million views since 2010.

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