Summer Festival Guide

16 Balcones Heights Jazz Festival: Nils, Johnny Britt among othersSan Antionio, TX 16-17 Winter Park Jazz Fest: Peter White, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Damien Escobar, Bell Biv Devoe, Elan Trotman, Julian Vaughn, En Vogue, Avery Sunshine, DotseroWinter Park, CO 16-18 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz: Eric Darius, Adam Hawley, Hiroshima, Temptations, Grace Kelly, Brubeck Brothers, among others. Hartford, CT 30-01 Newport Jazz Festival: Andra Day, Christian McBride, Robert Glasper, Charles Lloyd, Catherine Russell among others.Newport, RI

06-07Jazz & Coffee Escape: Marcus Anderson, Jeff Kashiwa, CeeLo Green, Elan Trotman, Jazmin Ghent, Kim Scott, Justin Schultz, BK Jackson, Javier Colon

06-08 Scranton Jazz Festival: TBA Scranton, PA 07 Vanport Jazz Festival: Gerald Albright, Sheila E, Marion Meadows, Tahirah Memory Portland, OR 13-15 Telluride Jazz Celebration: Robert Glasper, Catherine Russell, Christian Sands, Preservation Hall Jazz Band among others Telluride, CO 13-15 San Jose Jazz Summer Festival: TBA San Jo-

13-15Long Beach Jazz Festival: TBA Long Beach,

13-22Berks Jazz Festival: Brian Bromberg, Peter White, Nick Colionne, Mindi Abair, Euge Groove among others Redding, PA 20-21Southern Tier Jazz Festival: Paul Brown, Adam Hawley, Marcus Johnson among others Elmira / Corning, NY 20-21Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival: George Benson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Jean Carne, Norman Connors, Ronnie Laws, Adam Hawley, Jackiem Joyner, David Sanborn Electric Band, Euge Groove, Cindy Bradley, Paula Atherton among others

22 Gardena Jazz Festival: TBA Gardena, CA 22-27 Blue Jay Jazz Festival: Patrice Rushen, Paul Jackson Jr., Michael Paulo among others Lake Arrowhead, CA Jul/Aug Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 53

01-05 DC Jazz Festival: Regina Carter, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Orrin Evans Presents “ Terreno Comum.” Lakecia Benjamin Presents: "Pursuance," Cyrus Chestnut among others Riverfront, DC 03-05 Low Country Jazz Festival: Richard Elliott, Najee, Lindsey Webster, Peabo Bryson, Adam Hawley, among others Charleston, SC 03-05 Riverfront Jazz Festival: Erykah Badu, David Sanborn, David Benoit, Marion Meadows, Rick Braun, Pete Escovedo among others Dallas, TX 03-06 Detroit International Jazz Festival: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bob James, Herbie Hancock, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Lionel Loueke among others Detroit, MI 04-05 John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival: Chris Botti, Tito Puente, Jr., Kenny Lattimore, Julian Vaughn, Marcus Anderson, Kurt Elling among others High Point, NC 04-05 Gulf Coast Summer Jazz Fest: Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Lindsey Webster, Eric Darius, Peter White, Elan Trotman, Euge Groove, Cindy Bradley among others Pensecola, FL 04-05 Capital Jazz Festival: Marcus Miller, Sheila E., Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Avery Sunshine, Bill Withers among others Columbia, MD

04-05 Jazz On The Creek: Ronnie Laws, Patrice Rushen, Michael Paulo, Paul Jackson Jr., David P. Stevens, Lin Rountree, Marqueal Jordan among others San Diego, CA 05 Atlanta Jazz Festival: Patti Austin, Mike Phillips, Jazzmeia Horn, Theo Croker, Sean Jones among others Atlanta, GA 11-12 Cleveland Tri-C Jazz Fest: Christian Sands, Emmet Cohen, Catherine Russell, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra among others Cleveland, OH

Miller, Chaka Khan, Gregory Porter Dianne Reeves among others Pittsburgh, PA 14 The Atlantic City Jazz Fest: Boney James, Najee, Pieces Of A Dream, Norman Brown, Lindsey Webster, among others Atlantic City, NJ 24-26 Monterey Jazz Festival: Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Terri Lyne Carrington among others Monterey, CA

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By: Giget C. Johnson

A Man’s Man Album – The reference to cars . . . fast cars, getaway car, junkyard dunebuggy . . . perhaps a change of life album for men. Fasten your seatbelt. At first impression, it is VERY BRASSY and a little too upbeat, perhaps not the smooth jazz we expect from Dave Koz upon first hearing it. But keep listening. It’s an album that grows on you. I mean . . . it is a spectacular album, if you get out of your own way and just “lay back, kick it and enjoy the ride.” Track 1. Today – A brassy but easy-listening opening song. Signature Sound of Dave Koz is laid in the track. You know it’s him. It starts off smooth but before long the brass kicks in. Then it calms back down as it closes to finger snapping.

Track 2. Getaway Car – Upbeat tempo. Funky beat & full of brass. Almost a “James Bond” intro. Reminiscent of days of old. As if you may actually be on the run, it sounds a little dangerous. If you’ve ever been to a Dave Koz concert, it’s that one song that he plays to bring the crowd to the edge of their seats & ultimately cause a rise to their feet. There is a lot going on in this song. It ’s probably a really fun song to perform. But it is loud. Almost too energetic. Like a workout that kicks your butt, you’ll be glad when it’s over. Track 3. Feed the Id – A show opener. Slower than Getaway Car but still very lively, just not excessively so. It has some calming parts. It also serves us a funky beat. A variety show of the talent involved. The guitar will have your head bobbing with your eyes closed, as you feel the rhythm. You might end up out of your seat on your feet playing an air instrument on this one. It is lit! On fire! Track 4. The Golden Hour – The album’s title track is refined. It is perfectly titled. It’ll cause you to sway back and forth. It is reminiscent of the part of life when you think you have it all together and can kick back and relax, when life is almost on auto-pilot. Track 5. Junkyard Dunebuggy – Guitarlaced. Many men must have a fast car at some point – when the “gotta have a fast car ” hits – that’s what this album is. Midlife Crisis - Ego kicks in – “I’m still badass! This is for me!” The Change of Life - What else can I do? I’m gonna try something new! 66| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Jul/Aug

Track 6. Little Rascals – Slower than the other songs. A restaurant song. Perfect for enjoying a meal over a family buffet. You have driven many miles and finally must stop for sustenance in a little unknown town, but there’s food, albeit buffet style and you must fix your own plate. Track 7. Family Reunion – Perfect music for pulling up to the local park to meet family and friends. A happy go lucky song. A family of musicians would bring their instruments with each getting their time to shine on this song. Track 8. Engine 71 – All engines are revved up. This track could be the Finale. But it isn’t because after this we’re brought back down from the highest of energies on this album. Perhaps this is done to prevent heart attack on the side of the road. Track 9. Your Side of Town – Fun loving. As if you’re falling for someone, this song is a much-needed reprieve from the high energy of the other songs. A reminder that at the end of the day, when the man is done playing with his toys, he is coming back home. Hanging up his ego with his keys, he flips the switch and the gentleman reappears. Ladies, he didn’t forget about us.

Track 10. Together Again – A Remix. It is a song made for dancing and guess what? He ain’t dancing with his buddies on this one. It is Dave Koz as we’ve come to know him. This song is a gift on a macho-man album. A reminder that although “this is a man’s world, it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl,” as James Brown would sing. Track 11. Gratitude – The album winds its way to an end. Just like the end of each day, a moment is taken to give thanks. Slower thoughts. Deeper breaths. An acknowledgement that there is so much to be grateful for. Just like ladies have a “Girls Trip,” “Ladies’ Night Out,” “Spa Day,” men should have their own guilty pleasure, as expressed in this album. “Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles,” “Bourbon, Cigars, High End Tequila,” “Fancy Sneakers, Nice Brims, Expensive Belts,” “Diamond Ring, Gold Necklace, Rolex Watch” Whatever suits your fancy. Good Music serves as the soundtrack to a good time. This really is an album made “For Men By Men.” You are so very deserving of it. We are grateful for each of you.

This album was released just in time for Father ’s Day and a perfect gift it is for the music lover!

By: Avzal Ismail

Fresh, vibrant, intoxicating yet comfortably familiar. That's the impression I got with the latest album from the great Grammy winner Jeff Lorber. The core trio of Lorber on keys, bassist and long-time collaborator Jimmy Haslip and powerhouse drummer Gary Novak is nothing short of epic. These guys complement each other brilliantly and they make up the perfect modern jazz trio that would bring the house down anywhere that they performed. However, not being content with the trio format, Lorber in a stroke of genius brought in an all-star cast of guest artists which includes the likes of saxmen; Bob Mintzer, Hubert Laws, Gerald Albright, and Paul Jackson Jr., on guitar to truly garner together a lineup of stellar musicians. Lorber has built up an impressive reputation and over a career spanning four decades transcending musical boundaries with his own immediately identifiable musical footprint. This album of eleven magnificent tracks is once again a trailblazer that offers some brilliant new compositions with Lorber's unique stamp. Make no mistake; he is a true leader who knows exactly what he wants while still allowing for endless creativity and space to the musicians and the music. “Space -Time” is without a doubt an odyssey of sonic proportions offering a voyage of brilliant delights. The musicians capture the feeling that you are right there

in the middle of the room with them taking in all of that creativity and musicianship that they have to offer. The album opens up with a blazing up tempo soaring bluesy ride that sets the tone for the rest of the album with Bob Mintzer ripping up his tenor as the group takes off the brakes and accelerates into space. Bring in the likes of Dave Mann, Gerald Albright who also plays bass (bet you didn't know that) , and the rest of the cast supported by the solid rhythm section and you have an eargasm of note. Lorber credits the late great Chick Corea for his jumpstart in jazz years ago as an up and coming artist. He recorded "The Samba" on his album Soft Space decades ago together with Chick. And so he penned a beautiful dedication to Chick simply entitled "Chick." I'm pretty sure Chick is smiling every time that song is performed. With the release of Space Time, Jeff Lorber continues to show us that his inspiration to push his craft and his music is as energised as ever. In his own words “Just being alive at this time with everything that’s going on and all of the developments in music and technology, keeps me busy and on my toes.” This is without a doubt Grammy material and it won't surprise me in the least if it was nominated. Definitely a musical tour de force and a must have for any fusion lovers and fans of Jeff Lorber.

By: Er yn K. Bozeman

Overall, so tight and well made. This CD feels so good. You will dance, jam, and even just feel serenity while listening to this. It is so well balanced. I know it’s expected from Lin Rountree, but it exceeded my hopes and anticipation. I know this is selfish, but I would go through another Covid-19 solitude for music artistry like this. So let’s jump on in. This will be Lin’s latest project with Trippin’ N Rhythm records, and it does not disappoint. Grab your speaker, headphones, car radio, or whatever you jam on, and get ready for the funky smooth ride, like only Lin can provide.

The ride starts with Release, track 1, it brings that modern day jazz I long for, nothing held back by Lin and his group of talented musicians. The keys on this tune by Michael Browning, are fantastic. This tune will leave you wanting a live version if you have ever experienced Lin live. Next, is Fluid, and this jam, makes you move and brings some smooth funk. The way this jam flows, you will find it hard not to keep it in rotation. Again, the keys on this joint are amazing, and yes, it ’s also Michael Browning. These two musicians flow very well together, as they say today, “Issa Vibe.”

I could speak on every single tune, but for the sake of my review space, I will say, “Candie’s Dance,” “Fusion,” “Koolin” are all jams to kick it and party to. They bring it every time you play them. They have movement and you can dance, smile and you will feel so good when you play them. There’s something about music that makes you smile. I love sharing it with the world.

This is entire cd is perfection. There is nothing to skip, you know, we all have music, where we only like a couple tracks. It’s just reality. I found myself loving this entire cd. I do have a favorite, and if you’ve read my reviews before you know, I must share.

“I Dream,” the final track on the cd. It

feels like a serenade. I’m not sure what Lin was expressing from his point of view, but from mine, it was like a woman standing on a balcony at sunset, and her love played a tune just for her, below the balcony. It feels like an expression of all he felt and dreamed, for them. This track is simply beautiful on so many levels, from David P Stevens on the guitar, Mark Whitsett on percussion, and Lin saying it all without words. Music is truly a story, and this one has so much to say. Wow music is amazing.

Please treat yourself with this amazing music, because I haven’t even mentioned the tracks with Skinny Hightower, Lindsey Webster, or Selina Albright. You will have to find out how great those tracks are for your yourself. When you do, shout Lin out on social media, and as Lin would say, “Stay funky!”

By: Keivu G. Knox After seven albums in a six year stretch, drummer Bob Holz has firmly established himself as one of the premier drummers and band leaders in jazz. With that as the foundation, Holz is taking things up a notch with his most recent release, entitled "Live in New York and LA. This right song extravaganza was recorded over a three year period in Syracuse, NY and Los Angeles, CA and features covers of classics along with original material. While some may assume having such a mix of locations and material could make the project uneven, Holz and his band's consistency is the constant, which results in a compelling release.

The album opens with a cover of "All Blues" by Miles Davis. The guitar of Chet Catallo compliments Holz's drumming (which includes a ripping solo) and Ronnie Leigh's vocals quite nicely. "Little Sunflower" is up next, which treats the Freddie Hubbard classic rather lovely. Tom Witkowsky's keyboard is the stabilizer on this track, as he moves back and forth between lead and accompanying instrument, driving the melody.

The two additional covers are just as strong. Dizzy Gillespie's standard "A Night In Tunisia" provides a measure of the original, but is fueled by a Latin twist. Leigh's vocals sway along while the tempo and vibe evolves throughout the song. "Georgia on My Mind" is an all out blues jam, giving all of the musicians a chance to flex their chops. This song is

of the examples where the audience is audibly locked into a masterful performance.

The four original songs on this album serve equal amounts of high points as the covers. "Blue Mashed Potatoes" is a song written by Ralphe Armstrong. It's a smoky blues cut that provides just as much punch as "Georgia" but is aided by a memorable lyric and vocal delivery by Armstrong. Keeping the blues torch alive is "Blues for CC" named for the song's writer, Chet Catallo. His guitar is front and center on this track but allows Armstrong on bass and Witkowsky on keys to drive the melody as well. "Jammin Man" is a reggae/jazz number written by Holz and Frank Stepanek that leans heavily into both genres simultaneously. On this song, it's Brandon Feld's saxophone that gets a chance to shine through the bouncing melody. The album closes with another Holz original, co written with Billy Steinway, entitled "Riptide." Fusion is the key on this track, as Holz on drums and Steinway on keys give a tribute to 70's Bob James with their interplay and melody.

"Live In New York and LA" is an album that clearly displays what makes projects by Bob Holz essential. Confident musicians, calculating covers, and creative originals served as this album's formula. When you put that musical equation together, the typical result is success, and this latest release by Holz is no exception.