Marcus Miller May/June 2015

Let The Music Take You...

SmoothJazz May / June 2015

TM

Magazine

Bobby 2015

SPRING

FESTIVALS

KICK-OFF

FOOD, JAZZ & WINE

CALDWELL After Dark A Fool To Care

MOTOWN

The Musical

MARCUS MILLER NEW WORLD TOUR

42 46 Feature 11 Bobby Caldwell 20 Harvey Mason 6 Festival Guide 23 Strawberry Festival 27 Earl Klugh Weekend of Jazz 29 VinDiego - Wine & Food 32 Berks Jazz Festival 42 Spring Festivals—Coast to Coast

11 COVER STORY 6 Marcus Miller New CD “Afrodeeza” World Tour

Lifestyle 16 Boz Scaggs Concert

64 Motown the Musical CD Releases 45 New CDs CD Reviews 46 James Lloyd 47 Kirk Whalum 50 Elaine Elais 54 David Sanborn 58 Boney James 61 Blake Aaron

SmoothJazz Jazz May / June 2015

Art Jackson—Publisher/CEO Doris Gee- - Research Manager

MAY 10

Mann—Graphic Artist

Smooth Jazz Magazine Inc.

Contributing Writers Kim Reilly Boca Raton Dana Brenklin Los Angeles Melissa Berry Los Angeles Nydia Hancox East Hartford Andrew Reeves New York Gigi Brooks New York Michelle King New York Mary Williams San Antonio Hervé Bissereth France Contributing Photographers Kim Reilly Boca Raton Dawn Stephens Chicago Chuck Bigger Colorado Springs Ronald Hancox East Hartford Mann Los Angeles James Henderson Norfolk Chris Brake San Diego Lexi Lewis Tampa David B. Johnson Washington, DC Hervé Bissereth France

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JUN 21

On Tour BUY CD Photos By: Ernest Gregory

Review By: Michelle King Marcus Miller "Afrodeezia"

Released 3/17/15

BUY CD HERE

Throughout Marcus Miller’s latest CD Afrodeezia, in his new collaboration with Blue Note Records, we go deep-not only into Miller’s ancestral roots but his life journey as seen through the inspiration of his heritage. This is a beautiful thing, because Miller’s music is seductively vibrant, personal, and soulstirring for those who listen to and between the notes.

New York

There are songs that shout joy. They lift your energy and move to the beat kind of joy that welcomes us in the opening track “Hylife,” which is inspired by a popular style of Nigerian music from the ‘70’s & 80’s. Or the joy in music that is echoed in rhythms that traveled through Africa, South America and the Caribbean despite historic hardship and difficulty--that is “We Were There.” You can see a dazzling river in Nambia flow in “B’s River” through the opening string notes of an African Gimbri instrument.

As we groove through these experiences, Marcus Miller then brings us to the familiar with a fresh twist.

“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” leads this multi-continent journey into the roads of the U.S. Then the music can draw something deep within your Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 7

own essence. In an instrumental version of an operatic aria and jazz blend of composer Bizet’s I Still Believe I Hear-Je Crois Entendre Encore--Miller with cellist Ben Hong creates a melody that is both hypnotic and transformative. All the better to hear with clarity the raw pain and brilliance within I Can’t Breathe, which speaks to the past, present and potential for the future in the struggle for justice within our society.

Inspired by Marcus Miller’s role as a UNESCO Artist For Peace and spokesperson for the organization’s Slave Route Project— Afrodeezia was recorded in locations around the world including Morocco, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans and Los Angeles, and features a wide range of guests including rapper Chuck D., vocalist Lalah Hathaway, keyboardist Robert Glasper, trumpeters Etienne Charles and Ambrose Akinmusire, guitarists Keb’ Mo’ and Wah Wah Watson, bassist/producer Mocean Worker, and cellist Ben Hong, as well as musicians from Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Miller’s core band includes saxophonist Alex Han, trumpeter Lee Hogans, pianist Brett Williams, guitarist Adam Agati, and drummer Louis Cato.

More on Marcus Here: 8 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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Photo: and Review By: Hervé Bissereth

Marcus En France

When you are a young musician, one of your greatest dreams is to meet your influences. On Thursday, April 16th, 2015 in Toulouse, France I had the opportunity to talk with Marcus Miller, and some of the musicians before and after the show.

The new album of Marcus Miller “Afrodeezia” is a joyful and abounding album, a travel of music from Africa, to Caribe and America. In other words: “a melting pot of rhythms.” But when you hear this project live, it’s a great experience.

Before the show, I was able to attend the sound check and visited with Marcus, (Alex Han –saxophone and Lee Hogan –trumpet). When you are a great musician you might be pretentious, but Marcus and his musicians are simple and friendly people, in few words: it is obvious they love their fans! There is also a super connection between the musicians of the band.

Live at Casino Theatre Barrière The sound, arrangements, provoke great emotions. Everyone in the theater was conquered, as Marcus returned on stage twice due to the acclamation. All I can say is “What A Amazing Performance.”

Marcus Miller is truly one of the great musical innovators in the world.

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BOBBY CALDWELL

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FEATURE Interview By: Melissa Berry “From blue-eyed soul to pop, R&B and standards singer/songwriter, Bobby Caldwell is truly one of the most respected members of the music industry.”

In

a recent

interview

with

Bobby Caldwell about his newest album, “After Dark,” the conversation resulted in much more than just discussing this latest release of Mr. Caldwell’s. Not only was the actual production of “After Dark” considered, but also what is involved nowadays in interpreting and recording the entirely American, but internationally famous, Big Band sound. There are so many on going changes in how records are made: the pros and cons between tape and digital, use of synthesizers, and how all this affects the final production. These points returned us to Mr. Caldwell’s current album and his current tour.

“After Dark” incorporates everything wonderful from the Big Band era combined with the tunes The Great American Songbook. It’s the kind of timeless album that will please older generations and attract the new while holding in high regard a wonderful genre of music. The immediate and contagious swing beat, the welcome familiarity of our favorite tunes, and the smooth groove of Caldwell’s voice interpreting these favorites would be enough, but there is also something differ12 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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one of the Air Force Bands – “Airmen of Note.” As Mr. Caldwell explained to me, “It only made sense. The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force - stationed in Washington D.C. These musicians are some of the best there are and their job is to carry on the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Corps dance band.” Laughingly he added, “And, with Washington D.C. to just be down the river from me, and with their military discipline, we were able to make this album in two days!”

And, they did it wonderfully.

When asked about the actual recording of this album, Mr. Caldwell had some interesting insights into the current methods used in recording. In mentioning some French horns on a previous album, I found out they were real…not synthesizers. “Synthesizers have an inherently unnatural sound, as does the perfection of digital recordings compared to recordings made on tape from years ago.” Having heard all sorts of music, which has been transferred, mainly for preservation purposes, from

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tape to digital, this is a very valid point. It was also in keeping with another recording point Caldwell made the difference between the sound of using live musicians and synthesizers: Live musicians create vibrations which, in essence, are “moving sound waves,” where as the synthesizer creates “standing sound waves” which can have a somewhat static effect.

standard.

And, not to be overlooked, is a new and fabulous arrangement of Mr. Caldwell’s timeless song, “What You Won’t Do For Love” which opens with a samba beat and a muted horn that could cut butter. Such a great song, and such an unexpected new arrangement. All brass, but with syncopations and rhythms that are unexpected without ever leaving behind the well known and Mr. Caldwell’s use of current technolo- anticipated nuances. gy while maintaining a deep understanding and respect of the history of “After Dark” is the essence of Bobby the recording industry is what is appar- Caldwell who, while remaining true to ent in this new album. In particular, his musicality, takes us with him into “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” new interpretations. By including new is a wonderful example of remaining musicians, new arrangements, and new true to the past while working in the interpretations for the iconic Big Band present. With horns that demand to be sound, he provides something for past, listened to, this cut features the ar- present and future generations of lisrangement of sax sensation, Andrew teners.

Neu, in this enthusiastic interpretation. From start to finish this version never stops engaging the listener in the music and lyrics of this timeless song.

Also included in this album is a wonderfully sweet and cuddly version of “I’ve Got a Crush on You Sweetie Pie” that includes the charming verse to set up the rest of this George and Ira Gershwin 14 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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Jeff Golub The Vault Release: March 31, 2015

All Star Tribute BUY Record label: Entertainment One Music Dave Koz

Mindi Abair

Rick Braun

Gerald Albright

Jeff Lorber

Boney James

Peter White

Kirk Whalum Brian Culbertson Richard Elliot

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CD Review and Photos By: Kim Reilly I’d say it’s been a pretty good first quarter for when it comes to great music by artists we love. Just in the last few weeks we have seen new releases from Toto, Robben Ford and the latest offering from one of the true masters of blue-eyed soul and of course that would be Boz Scaggs. Depending on what version you come across (13 or 16 track version) “A Fool To Care” is a wonderful journey that has Boz capturing the true essence of classic soul & R&B.

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It seems that Mr. Scaggs has hit his stride as of late. In a very short time he has played a part in two very successful tours with The Dukes Of September as well as 2013’s tribute to the classic sound of Hi Records & Al Green (Memphis). For the follow up Boz ended up in Nashville’s Bluebird Studio and completed the entire album in just four days! The core of the band includes Ray Parker Jr. on guitar, bassist Willie

Weeks and ace drummer and I really dig the caba& producer Steve Jordan. ret style of “Last Tango on If you are looking for a se- 16th Street.”

BUY Boz also goes back to the Al Green discography and the classic sound he produced with the 1976 gem “Full Of Fire.” he album also features rious soul groove these great duet pairings with guys really know how to Bonnie Raitt on the funky lay it down.

“Hell To Pay” & Lucinda So many great tunes here Williams, where they cover the Band’s “Whispering

Available at

Bassist Mark Egan Reunites with Drummer Danny Gottlieb and Pianist Mitchel Forman on this Super Trio outing.

Pines.” Another great choice is Boz’s appreciation for a mid-70s ballad by the Spinners’. “Love Don’t Love Nobody,” was always a fave of mine and now Boz has me singing it again, only this time 40 years later. Good tunes never die and this is one of them.

No doubt this is one of Scaggs’ finest albums and again he seems to be at a very content place in his career. The song selection is great and every choice is a natural. Hard to believe that this September will mark 40 years since Boz, Paich, Porcaro & Hungate entered the studio to record “Silk Degrees.” It might say 2015 on our calendars but Boz’s vocals are in fine form and really haven’t changed since those glory years. The 16 track version (3 bonus tracks) is available at your local Best Buy. “A Fool To Care” can also be found via iTunes, Amazon and most big box retail but do one thing for me, support your local record store first! And yes, it’s been issued on vinyl too. Boz is now on tour to support this album and some dates will feature Tower Of Power.

More on Boz Here:

Promote your music... contact us here

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Drum Legend Harvey Mason to Receive Honorary Degree‌ ary doctor of music degree at Berklee's commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 9, at the 7,000-seat Agganis Arena at Boston UniHarvey Mason, Ph.D. versity. More than Berklee College of Mu- 900 Berklee graduates, sic president Roger H. their parents, and inBrown will present vited guests will be in drum legend Harvey attendance. Mason is Mason with an honor- among the most rec-

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orded, versatile, and indemand drummers of all-time. A legendary, multi-Grammy nominated session drummer, producer, composer and recording artist, he has worked with a pantheon of

pantheon of musical giants, including Barbra Streisand, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Bjork, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, John Legend, Carole King, James Taylor, George Benson, and the London Symphony Orchestra.

He has composed music for film, TV, and commercials, and writ-

ten songs recorded by artists ranging from Nancy Wilson, Mary J. Blige to the Notorious B.I.G., Lupe Fiasco, Nelly, P. Diddy and T.I. Mason’s groundbreaking, distinctive style has influenced generations of drummers. The recipient of the 2015 Modern Drummer Readers Poll award for best fusion drummer, he remains active as coleader and founding member of the jazz su-

per group Fourplay, as well as with his newest recording project, Chameleon.

Honorary doctorate recipients are recognized for their achievements and influences in music, and for their enduring contributions to American and international culture.

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Festival Guide May 16 & 17

Spring Festival

Kick-Off

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Festival Guide

May 16 & 17

Festival Guide

May 16 & 17

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Earl Klugh / Burt Bacharach

Everette Harp

Photos By: Chuck Bigger

Lee Ritenour

Kirk and Kevin Whalum

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Jeff Lorber & Evervette Harp

Gaming

Earl Klugh, Dave Grusin & Lee Ritenour

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Festival Guide

Photos By: Chris Brake

The 3rd Annual VinDiego Wine and Food Festival April 10-11, 2015 Point Loma, CA.

San Diego's Premiere Wine Event...

More than 2,000 people attended the Grand Tasting event which featured more than 70 wineries offering 300+ unique tastes of awardwinning wines alongside 17 restaurants with delectable bites and 30 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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Festival Guide Photos By: Ronald Hancox

April 10 - 19 Rick Braun &Nick Colionne

Everette Harp

Alex Bugnon

Chieli Minucci

Gerald Veasley Peter White Gerald Albright

Reading, PA 32 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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Euge Groove

Berks All-Star Jam... Dedicated to the memory April 16 at the Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom, of Jeff Golub.to This second week of the Fest opened with the th

By: Nydia Hancox

Brian Bromberg

Berks All-Star Jam. The Jam is considered one of the crown jewels of Festival as most of the artist from the weekend will grace the stage. During the set, Kirk Whalum joined vocalist Eliott Yamin from American Idol, on

Jr Walkers “Shotgun.’

Musical selections included ‘Cold Duck Time’ and familiar and familiar favorites such as ‘What’s Going On,’ ‘Mustang

Paul Taylor

Bobby Lyle

Sally and Jeff’s first recording, ‘Pick Up the Pieces.’ It was a true Love Fest for Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 33

Honoring Masters of Fusion …

Alex Bugnon-Keys, Chiele Minucci-guitar, Chris Farr –sax, Gerald Veasley-Bass and Tommy Campbell – For all Fusion enthusiasts, this show was a journey drums,. back in time to an era of riff-based, jazz-rock fusion. This superb concert honored the musical creations of some of the Fusion Masters, such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul of the famed group Weather Report, and Miles Davis. They started the 11 song set with Bill Evan’s ‘Cross Currents', which featured Alex, Gerald and Chris. Next up ‘Denial’, followed by ‘Tutu’ which evoked powerful memories of Miles. Other selections included ‘Lila’s Dance’, Spellbound, and Chick Corea’s ‘Spain’. The crowd demanded an encore. They were brought to their feet with the funky ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’, an original Eddie Harris composition which was later played by Miles. This tune echoed the message, jazz is about freedom, and every artist on that stage put their personal stamp on this song.

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Fourplay Celebrates with Berks Jazz Fest GM John Ernesto Stay tuned for the 25th anniversary album, SILVER, due to be released later this summer!

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The latest incarnation of Jazz Attack includes Peter White-guitar, Rick Brauntrumpet/fugal horn/trombone and Euge Groove-sax. Supporting band members onboard this Mother Ship of Funk included Ron Reinhart-Keys, Nate PhillipsBass and Eric Valentine-drums. From the first note played, the band exploded in-

glasses and electrified the crowd. They played a tribute to funk band Tower of Power, which both Euge and Rick were once members. A surprising addition to the band was vocalist Elliot Yamin, former American Idol contestant from season five. He joined the group singing "Wildflower, a 1972 classic by Canadian band Skylark. Elliot enchanted the audience with his soulful voice, continuing his set with orig-

to high gear, featuring tunes from each of their albums. Braun was brilliant on trombone during the "James Bond Theme" while Peter donned his sun

inal compositions "Gather 'Round" and "Self Control." He belted the 1974 Al Green song, "Take Me to the River," featuring solos by Rick and Euge which

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Remembering Joe Sample …

By: Nydia Hancox

The Tribute to the late Joe Sample was an emotional journey into this jazz legend’s music. Musicians that graced the stage included Joe Sample's son Nicklas Sample - Bass, Liz Hogue - Vocals, saxophonist Wilton Felder, former band mate of Sample's Jazz Crusaders, Bobby Lyle - vocalist/piano, Everette Harp - sax, Rick Braun - Trumpet/flugelhorn, Jeff Bradshaw-trombone, Randy Jacobs - guitar, Jay Williams JJ drums, and Doc Gibbs - percussion.

"When somebody's body leaves this earth, their spirit lingers on, especially through the artistry of the person.”

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Bobby and the band members seemed to embody the spirit of Mr. Sample, as they proudly played his songs. They played for two -hours, taking turns paying tribute to this man who meant so much to them. Bobby Lyle had one of the most moving moments of the evening with his rousing improvisation. He prefaced his piano solo by saying "I had kinda planned out what I was going to do with this solo piano here, but I really don't know, I'm just going to let the spirit move me." Sample's son Nicklas was a constant force on the bass, and easily summoned the spirit of his father. Liz Hogue sang a few tunes with her powerful vocals, including "I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today," a Joe Cocker song the Crusaders made popular.

She later brought the house down with her stirring rendition of Street Life. The entire audience took to their feet! To quote Bobby once again, "Joe's musical personality is here for all time and for all generations to experience, We can YouTube him forever."

Bobbie Lyle, Everette Harp, Rick Braun, Jeff Bradshaw, Randy Jacobs, Jay Williams JJ and Doc Gibbs

Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor & Nick Colionne

here, but I really don't

know, I'm just going to let

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Sunday Brunch…..featuring Elan Trotman Joey Sommerville Jeff Bradshaw

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2015

MAY 07

MAY 16

JUN

MAY

20

08

JUN 26

JUN 13

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New CD Releases 2015

Robert Glasper Trio "Covered" 06/16/15 BUY

Kirk Elling "Passion World" 06/09/15 BUY

Terence Blanchard "Breathless" 05/26/15 BUY

Joshua Redman "The Bad Plus" 05/26/15 BUY

Greg Adams: East Bay Soul "That's Life" 04/21/15 BUY

Julian Vaughn "Limitless" 04/21/1 BUY

Kenny Lattimore "Anatomy Of A Love Song" 04/17/15 BUY

Sachal "Slow Motion Miracles� 04/07/15 BUY

Jeff Bradshaw "Home: One Special Night At The Kimmel Center Live" 03/31/15 BUY

CD REVIEWS

Review By: Mary Williams

James

BUY

Lloyd "Here We Go" Label: Shananchie

Pioneering member of the ground breakIng band Pieces of a Dream, James Lloyd is no stranger to contemporary jazz.

Having just turned 50 and realizing that each day is not promised to any of us, recording his first solo album is something Lloyd has always wanted to do. The timing of Lloyd’s Shanachie Entertainment debut cd “Here We Go” was a long time in the making and a labor of love. “Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, recording my first solo album is something I wanted to complete while I’m still here.”

From the first spin of special sounds as “Play it Forward” to the sensuous ballad “Granted Wish” which was penned for Lloyd’s wife Teresa. The dynamics of contemporary jazz are constantly changing and Lloyd wanted us to feel the process of making the cd including the joys, sorrows, hope, fun and peace. Lloyd also teamed up with Grammy award winner Najee on the soulful “Movin’ Right Along” to the Grammy nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright on “No Holds Barred.”

So let’s get on with the heart and soul of “Here We Go.” Get the disk, sit back, and spin as you read the thoughts, retrospectives, and emotions of James Lloyd.

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CD REVIEWS Review By: Mary Williams Photos By: Kim Reilly

ary Williams

K

irk Whalum starts the fourth installment of his "The Gospel According to Jazz" series with a saxophone solo of the hymn “Just As I Am,” a tune that is a standard in Christian hymnals across denominations and throughout the world. It has transformed the concept of sharing the “gospel truth” through instrumental music. Recorded live at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York; The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter IV serves up more of a “good thing” but not just “more of the same.”

GATJ IV is a tribute album in a uniquely gospel centric way. Honored here are heads of state (Mandela and Obama), departed and greatly respected and loved artists (George Duke, Wayman Tisdale, and John Coltrane), alongside a homelss woman Whalum came to call friend.

Whalum’s music and perspective is informed by the unconventional and expansive.

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Whalum's first big break came in 1983 when his band opened for jazz pianist and composer Bob James. James immediately invited Whalum to play saxophone. In 1992 one of Whalum's guest appearances in the recording studio helped make pop music history. His saxophone solo on Whitney Houston's rendition of the Dolly Parton song "I Will Always Love You" from the soundtrack of the movie The Bodyguard helped the song spend 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV finds Kirk Whalum creatively using the latter to remind his listeners of the former and in the process creating one of the most memorable albums of his enviable career. This is a warm, joyous affair, delivered with love by every last man (and woman); not to mention monster talent by an ensemble of sparkling and gifted musicians. Even if you are a nonbeliever and have an allergic reaction to religion, give it a go to experience a soulful jazz album.

More on Kirk Here:

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BUY CD

CD REVIEWS

By: Gigi Brooks

From Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto and Flora Purim; the timeless Bossa Nova and Brazilian Jazz sounds of the 1960s and '70s poured into the hearts of music lovers all over the world, creating a new thirst for its eclectic, rhythmic, soothing, and even sensual at times, sound.

try since moving to the United States in 1981.

The project is an obvious labor of love for the sultry vocalist, who teams with some of the most prolific artists and producers of the 21st Century. Co-producers, Steve Rodby and Marc Johnson (also her bass playing musical partner) join in her Multivision of recordGRAMMY ing her six originominated, nal compositions pianist, of 12 tracks and singer, keypaying homage to boardist, Antonio Carlos arranger Jobim , Ary Barroand comso and Roberto poser, EliMenescal. Elias ane Elias takes us back to her native also enlisted the expertise of Rob homeland in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to rec- Mathes to create the beautiful orord her latest release on Concord chestral arrangements with members Records, Made In Brazil, due out on of the London Symphonic Orchestra, March 31, 2015. It is a homecoming at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. filled with reminiscence of the past and new musical collaborations, The personnel is an elixir of “creme since her last recording in her coun- de la creme” artists to include multiLet the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 51

cal group, Take 6, featuring Mark Kibble; her daughter singer/ songwriter, Amanda Brecker; Brazilian R&B vocalist/ guitarist star, Ed Motta; revered Bossa Nova guitarist/ composer, Roberto Menescal; electric bass guitarist, Marcus Teixeira; drummers Edu Ribeiro and Rafael Rabata; along with percussionists Mauro Refosco and Marivaldo dos Santos.

The album could not come at a better time with the arrival of spring and the long, lazy days of summer ahead.

The track “Waters of March,� originally written and performed by Antonio Carlos Jobim, is performed by Elias and Take 6, with a fresh, new interpretation. Elias uses her smooth vocals to delicately weave through the descending notes of the rare and wonderful story of life, while Take 6 brings us into a mesmerizing harmony throughout the entire track.

Elias uses her sensual vocal complexities along with the melodic Fender Rhodes to create and celebrate Brazil. Each track opens up with a yearning for the beloved country and takes one back to the days of the early Bossa Nova, where there were no lines or distinction of where the music should or could go.

It could easily be said that this album will stand along side with Brazilian jazz classics and will never gather dust in one's music collection.

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“TIME AND THE RIVER” By: Dana Brenklin

Label: SONY MASTERWORKS

Photos by: James Vincent Henderson

What comes to mind when you hear the name David Sanborn? Legend? Chicago? Saxophone? Probably all of the above. David Sanborn has recorded 24 al-

It is said that Sanborn started playing the saxophone at the suggestion of a physician to strengthen his weak chest muscles which stemmed from the polio he contracted when he was just three years old. By the time David was 14, he was already playing with blues legends such as Albert King and Little Milton and he has been going strong ever since.

Sanborn is widely known as a Smooth Jazz artist, but he has been a highly regarded session player for decades, playing with greats from every genre imagibums, won six Grammys, has eight Gold nable, from James Brown to the Gratealbums and one Platinum alful Dead. You name them, and David bum. Sanborn started playing the saxo- has probably played with them. phone as a child and recorded his first solo album in 1975.

Sanborn got his first taste of success in 54 | SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you…

classic today. David continued to enjoy success with the single “Seduction”, which was featured in the movie American Gigolo and earned his first Grammy in 1982 with the single “All I Need Is You”.

“Time and the River” is David’s most recent recording and his 25th solo album. Sanborn recruited longtime collaborator, Bassist Marcus Miller to produce the feel good, Soul and Jazz recording. David also enlists two soul singers. Randy Crawford, who gives an outstanding performance on the classic “Windmills of your Mind” and “Tower of Power” lead singer Larry Braggs gives a stellar performance on the Temptations’ no. 1 hit “Can’t Get Next to You.” “Time and the River” is a funky and eclectic soundscape for the lover of all music. With the Afro-centric “Oblie Moi” and “Seven Days Seven Nights”, to the Smooth Jazz “Drift,” to the R&B drenched “Can’t Get Next to You”. The six time Grammy award winning saxophonist most definitely delivers on his 25th time out.

The album begins with the sultry, Latin themed “A La Verticale,” which means vertical in English. It’s as if the musicians were speaking their own language, with Sanborn leading the conversation. Guest appearances include Roy Assaf on key boards, Marcus Miller on bass, Ricky Peterson on Hammond Organ and many more.

Second on the sweet and short list of classics is “Ordinary People.” After that we ease on into the laid back “Drift,” which puts David out front, doing what he does best. This track can be used to romance, relax or simply for a nice backdrop while gardening on a Saturday afternoon.

As we continue on this timeless journey down the river, we meet up with Sanborn’s version of “Can’t Get Next to You”, with legendary vocalist Larry Braggs. Funky and soulful, you’d think “What a great thing music is, you had front row seats to a live conyou can never master it or get to cert or better yet, were a fly on the wall in the recording studio. All musi- the end .“ David Sanborn cians danced well together on this More on David Here: reminiscent track.

Next up, David meets his match in the awesome department with famed and celebrated vocalist, Randy Crawford. Randy and David weave beautifully through the Windmills of our minds. Windmills definitely stands out from the rest. Nicely done.

From there we take a trip down salsa lane with “Spanish Joint” and start to wrap this musical excursion up. David starts to slow things down with the melancholy “Overture” and completely turns out the light on “Little Church.”

“Time and the River” is not one track short of a being a masterpiece. I mean, what more can we expect from David Sanborn? He is arguably one of the greatest saxophonist of the 20th and 21st century and along with 24 albums to his credit, his recent work explains why. With a four decades long music career, a few years in television, Grammys and Gold records to boot, Sanborn continues to soothe us and at only 69 years young, I imagine he’s got a few more jewels up his sleeve. Sanborn says what a great thing music is, you can never master it or get to the end and I’m sure we all hope he doesn’t get to the end anytime soon.

“Ultimate Sinatra” (100 Songs Celebrating 100 Years - 4CD)

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CD REVIEWS Review By: Andrew Reeves Photos By: David B Johnson Boney James "Futuresoul" Label: Concord "Futuresoul," the new album by Grammy award nominee and sax man Boney James is the latest addition to an impressive repertoire spanning two decades.

James pours his love of R&B into a collection of songs that is just plain sexy.

'Drumline', the opening track starts the set with a fusion of funk and the slightest hint of hip-hop that has inspired so much of this artist's work. Next, James slows things down with the tune 'Vinyl', evoking that quiet storm feel James is so flawlessly able to conjure with his instrument.

James calls upon a cast of R&B legends to add their flavor to the project. Stokley, from the hit group Mint Condition is the feature vocalist on the sultry ballad 'Either Way'. The title track gives fans of the neo-soul sensation Dwele a taste of his writing and producing talent, while 'Far From Home' introduces up and coming artist Marquis Hall on trumpet.

Futuresoul is one artist's attempt to marry classic soul with a new kind of jazz sound. Something for a younger crowd that grew up on Anthony Hamilton and Raheem DeVaughn, and still thinks it's cool to love jazz. James' music has the ability to infuse a spoonful of retro into contemporary R&B that makes futuresoul so much fun to listen to.

Boney James has once again given us an album of the highest caliber. You'll definitely want to put this one on 'repeat-all' and make the most of a warm, sun-drenched afternoon.

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Review By: Andrew Reeves Photos By: Mann Label: Innervision Records

flute on the uptempo ‘Encantadora.’

Aaron has created a oul Stories, work of art that can the new cd by be appreciated as Blake Aaron is much for its musical one of the most versatility as the skill artistically expressive alwith which he guides bums I've come across. As you from one musical a series of musical vinarrative to another. gnettes, each track tells a The ‘voices’ he evokes different story, and Aaron with his guitar change creates a narrative with to fit the song. And as original material and a few covers of good music often does, Soul Stories classic R&B hits. Wes will put you in the Montgomery’s guitar riffs mood to dance one color ‘Wes Side Story’ and minute, and hold don't be surprised if you that special somerecognize the Hall & Oates one close the next. hit ‘Sara Smile. You'll feel a Blake Aaron truly bit of soul in ‘You're The has a talent for creOne For Me’ with Spencer ating beautiful muDay doing vocals. Then a sic, and Soul Stories is no exception. throwback to the 80s with ‘You're My Miracle.’ Derek Bordeaux accompanies Aaron on this ballad, while Najee does More on Blake Here:

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Let the music take you‌

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"This is not a Motown Musical, I am bringing Motown to Broadway" Berry Gordy

Los Angeles from April 30—June 7.

Opening Night Red Carpet‌..

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is a nostalgic walk down memory lane thru the life of Motown founder Berry Gordy. This play touches on some of the real behind the scene interactions on how this label became a national treasure for all Americans black and white as it thrive during racial times in this country, and now over 55 years later the same racial situations still persists.

Also putting this era in perspective were the weaving of news flashes from Joe Louis heavy weight fight as the announcer told families huddle around the radio of his knockout of Max Schelling and to the iconic clips of CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite reporting that President Kennedy was shot to Apollo space missions.

While the music mogul was the driving force behind Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5 and close L to R: Allison friends with Smokey Robinson, your Semmes, Smokey Robinson, Rosanna memory is jogged to the realization that artists like the Glady's Knight & the Pips, CommoArquette, Sidney dores, Rick James, Tina Marie among others were Poiter, Joey Stone, Let the music take you‌ SmoothJazz Magazine | 65 Toni Braxton.

also apart of the Motown record label empire.

From his humble beginnings from going to job to job and having to borrow money from family Berry Gordy built a legacy that crossed color lines then and today. As cast member Allison Semmes (Diana Ross) had everyone in the audience hold hands and wave while singing along and then coming down and selecting two people to sing along with her "Reach out and touch, somebody's hand, and make this world a better place if you can.)

As the curtain falls, Barry Gordy joined the cast to thank all the cast members and the audience who supported him over the years. Then he asked the cast member Elijah Ahmad Lewis playing Stevie Wonder to break out in song "I Wish" as Barry started a Soul Train line as other cast members joined in as a standing ovation and cheers lasted until the lights came on.

L to R: Leon Outlaw Jr., Devon Goffman, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, Jennie Harney, Martina Sykes, Jamarice Daughtry, Keven McConnel, Melanie Evans.

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