Marion Meadows May June 2018

NEW CD’s * BEAUTY SHOP PLAY * FESTIVALS REVIEWS

SmoothJazz MAY/JUNE 2018

TM

Magazine

GEORGIA PEACH FASHION WEEK

NYC CLOSES

THE HEART AND SOUL OF

MARION MEADOWS

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92

Feature

51 Mario Meadows Feels for the Soul of the City 59 Will Downing A Soul Survivor 65 Kayla Waters - Rising Star Lifestyle

12 Hands For Hope LA Honors Bill Withers 20 LA Marathon Not Just For The Elites 25 Beauty Shop Visited 30 Years Later 29 Georgia Peach Fashion Week Features: Leontine

Jazz Notes

08 B.B.Kings in NYC Closes Doors

29 Concerts 38 Lao Tizer - CD Release Party @ The Baked Potato 42 Willie Bradley Trumpeter @ Perfect Note 45 Nils - CD Release Party “Play” @ Vitello’s 49 Earl Klugh and Jonathan Butler @ Blue Note in Hawaii

Festivals

92 Seabreeze Jazz Festival Kicks Off Festival Season 95 Bakersfield 32nd Annual

Jazz Festival

Remembering

09 Charles Neville Dies

CD Reviews 70 Lindsey Webster - Love Inside 74 Marion Meadows - Soul City 77 Josh Vietti - Magic City 79 Janice Kephart Cherokee Voices 82 Michael Alan - Distant Worlds 84 Elaine Elias A La Mancha 87 Adam Hawley - Double Vision 89 Vincent Ingala – Love Inside CD Releases 73 New CD’s Music from Man

MAY 13, 2018

SmoothJazz Jazz

Smooth Jazz Magazine

Art Jackson— Publisher/CEO May / June 2015

3751 Motor Ave. Suite #34531

Doris Gee- - Research Manager

Los Angeles, CA 90034

Mann—Graphic Artist

E-Mail: info@smoothjazzmag.com

Contributing Writers

Web: www.smoothjazzmag.com

DeeLee Manley Sheila E. Ross Robin Munro Keivu G. Knox Eryn K. Bozeman Ahlia Love Carolyn Beverly Azval Ismail

Atlanta Atlanta Dallas Charlotte Nashville Philadelphia San Antonio South Africa

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written consent from the publisher.

Copyright @ 2018 by Smooth

Contributing Photographers

Jazz Magazine. All Rights

Aric Thompson DeeLee Manley Ron Pride Michael Chadburn Chanelle Harris Michiko Moore Tyree McLemore Mann

Reserved.

Atlanta Atlanta Birmingham Bakersfield Dallas Honolulu Las Vegas Los Angeles

JUNE 17, 2018

Special thanks to Shelly Garrett Entertainment, Alabaster Box and Chanelle Harris of TaylorMade Media Group for the images provided to us. With these images were able to share a glimpse of this legendary 30 year anniversary tour of Shelly Garrett's Beauty Shop. For more information about the documentary of Shelly Garrett, visit: www.shellythelegend.com

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Can You Feel It

Adam Hawley Feat.

Marcus Anderson

On The Prowl Boney James Love Inside Lindsey Webster

Everyone But You Cindy Bradley Deep As The Night Special EFX

Jazz Notes

NEW YORK Historic Venue Closing Doors After 18 Years...

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill has announced its final run of shows in its current Times Square location (237 W 42nd St). Due to escalating rent, the historic venue and supper club is forced to close its doors with a final performance on April 29, 2018. B.B. King Blues Club is in the process of selecting a new location in Manhattan to relocate the venue.

"It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news about B.B. King Blues Club's closing. Despite many sold out shows, the location's rent escalated to an unsustainable level, leaving us no choice but to close our doors. Unfortunately this has become a growing trend in New York City, with other iconic music 08 | SmoothJazz Magazine

venues and businesses falling victim to opportunistic property owners. This venue's legacy extends much further than the stage, playing a role in Times Square's revitalization two decades ago.

It is a shame that wasn't taken into consideration regarding its future in the area. Nevertheless, we feel extremely grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from both fans and artists over the years to create some truly historic and incredible memories in this space. We hope that we can find a new place to call home very soon so we can continue bringing live music to you all," remarks Tsion Bensusan, Chief Operating Officer.

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Remembering Charles Neville, GRAMMY Winner sax player of the influential Neville Brothers band, died Thursday 04/26/18 after battling pancreatic cancer in Massachusetts. He was 79 years old.

Born December 28, 1938 in New Orleans. He was an important player in

New Orleans music for more than 60 years. Though he may be best known internationally for his work with the Neville Brothers, his storied career has many chapters. It began in the early 1950s when he formed the group Turquoise with brother Art Neville and a few friends. He went on to gig with Jimmy Reed, B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Ray Charles, James Brown, and more. Charles was also a member of the house band at the legendary Dew Drop Inn, which gave him stage Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 09

Remembering with more heavy hitters in New Orleans music, including Allen Toussaint, James Booker, Huey "Piano" Smith, and Ernie K-Doe. In 1963, Charles was sentenced to hard labor at Angola Prison for possession of two joints, an experience that would change his life and outlook.

He was one of many great musicians of the era who were sent to the penitentiary for minor drug offenses. After release, Charles moved to New York for a time but returned to New Orleans in 1977 to form the Neville Brothers.

It was as a member of the "First Family of Funk" that Charles would become internationally famous. His brothers affectionately referred to him as "the horn man." In 1989, he won a Grammy for "Best Pop Instrumental Performance" for his sax playing on the Neville Brothers' Yellow Moon. Throughout his career, Charles’ records went gold and platinum in six different countries.

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Lifestyle

With so much of the news, today is focused on corruption in government and businesses, shootings, and disasters, it is

On March 10th at the Harmony Gold Theater hosted by Los Angeles radio personality and the birthday lady Pat Prescott of KTWV 94.7 The Wave as she welcomed everyone and all the stars that came out on a rainy night as special guest and Grammy Winner 12| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you‌

showcase an event that focuses on helping those less fortunate and at the same time inspires...

Lifestyle By: Art Jackson Ms. Melissa Manchester, Legendary trumpeter Greg Adams and Larry Dunn formerly of Tower of Power and Earth, Wind & Fire respectively, Freda Payne, Eloise Laws, Gary Taylor, Scherrie Payne and the music director Gail Jhonson as her Jazz In Pink band among others provided a musical serenade of the many hits of Bill Withers.

Having won numerous awards ranging from GRAMMYS, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Soul Train Awards and the list continues. He gave an insightful look into his life as a Navy Man and his music career while humbly thanking everyone who paid homage to him on this raining night in which he stated a lot of good things happens for him when it rains.

The evening was a benBill Withers efit fundraiser with a full on auction and Freda Payne blind bids to help in the daily and yearly functions for the work that the organization does in helping at-risk youth in the North Hollywood community.

Elios Laws

Melissa Manchester

Greg Adams Gary Taylor

Sherrie Payne

Larry Dunn

Gail Jhonson

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Lifestyle Festivals Having visited a few weeks prior to this evening festivities we met with founder director Lydia Floyd, who formed the organization 18 years ago as she and her staff work tirelessly to provide a learnable safe haven for the kids by offering free after-school activities. We met kids expressing how they are able to learn and play a musical instrument and sing, computers, writing, cooking and other social enrichment opportunities not only Lydia Floyd for them there but their parents as well for situation where the foundation can help in personal matters. You can just see how the kids struck a chord with Nils guitarist Nils, (pun intended,) as he showed them how to play several lead guitar licks.

And now coming full circle it was a thrill to some of those same kids from the band and chorus being cheered along by the audience who clapped and urged them on, it was amazing to see their growth in such a short time. Along with the encouragement the common theme for all the participants who lent their musical talents and served in their various capacities was how they wanted to be a part of this event, it was all about for the kids.

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Lifestyle The program comprised of honoring the smooth vocals of the great, legendary Bill Withers. As a medley of his greatest hits were performed by the kids and stars. As Gail Jhonson selected many of his top hits that were performed by Greg Adams, Gary Taylor, Melissa Manchester while the all-star band and other musicians included. (Wayne Linsey, keys, Tony Moore, drums, Geoff Alpert, trombone, Tomoka Nomura-Jarvis, sax, Jeff Jarvis, trumpet, Kevin Chokan, guitar, Dwayne Smitty Smith, bass and Dr. Farid Zariff, percussion. One of the highlights was Gail playing with her Jazz In Pink band entered into the crowd on one of their lively tunes.

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Lifestyle The lovely and legendary Freda Payne spoke eloquently about her friendship over the years as she mentioned how Mr. Withers took her under his wings when she first started in the business.

Also long time friend the dapper Mr. Darrelll R. Brown who is now a Sr. VP for US Bank spoke of how a great listener and friend Bill has been to him over the years.

Providing host and comic relief duties, veteran comedian/actor Lewis Dix, Jr., with his clean brand of comedy between musical performances as well as auctioneer role , talked to those making live bids exhorting them to dig deeper provided some very funny moments.

Before and after the show the lobby was a buzz from the silent auction where people placed bids on items ranging from works of art, jewelry, trips, instruments, LA Clippers sports packages and music gift baskets, all while listening to classics R&B oldies by DJ Cathy Michele which had well dress ladies busting a move at times. Each of the staff was the most polite and courteous group that I have had the pleasure to interact with in some time. From the Registration Shirley Ruiz and Fina Payton as signing in was a breeze while Sherrie Payne and Vivienne Godet of the Auction Team was well informed to answer any questions that potential bidders had.

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Lifestyle Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of Pat Prescott’s birthday as Lydia Floyd lead the birthday serenade with the help of the turn table playing Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday To You,” the Birthday cake likeness of Pat was a hit.

Personally, I want to thank not only Ms. Floyd but her incredible staff that overseen every aspect of the details of the function, from those I also met Diane Allen, Jacki Goodson Smith and everyone in the organization they all had an

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Lifestyle

Lydia Floyd-Executive Director and Erin Sodor-Chair; Board of Director

Priscilla ValldejuliMotivational Speaker, Bill Withers and Sherrie Payne

Eloise Laws, Gail Jhonson and Victor Orlando Pat Prescott and Melissa Manchester

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Freda Payne centered with EWF Legend Larry Dunn with wife.

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Acoustic Alchemy June 24, 2018

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Lifestyle Sports

Los Angeles, March 18, 2018 The 33rd annual LA Marathon from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica with over 24,000 participants with Kenya winning the race. But a big shout out to Todd for making his best time in 4 hours and 14 minutes.

With a beautiful day the LA Marathon comprised of elite runners from all over the world, runners from team clubs, from first timers to wheel-chair participants and weekend novice.

All of the runners were there for their own personal reasons but they all inspired us with their bravery and determination.

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Lifestyle Sports

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Lifestyle Sports

CD RELEASE PARTY

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Lifestyle Sports

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Smooth Jazz

Magazine

Lifestyle - Theatre Festivals

Shelly Garrett, “The Godfather of Urban Theater,” dies at 71 on (05-03-18) after battling stomach cancer. We were honored to have covered this last opening night performance before his passing.

HIT STAGE PLAY

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Lifestyle - Theatre By: Robin Munro

Photos By: Chanelle Harris

The 30th Anniversary of “Beauty Shop” Opening Night March 17, 2018 Absolutely Delivered…

DALLAS, TX

I had the pleasure of seeing this fabulous production thirty years ago, and the 30th anniversary was just as entertaining. We were granted exclusive access as Alabaster Box & TaylorMade Media Group filmed this show for the highly anticipated documentary, “Shelly Garrett: A Theatrical Legend. “ Beauty Shop immediately grabbed the audience’s attention with the same funny captivating flare it did thirty years ago with a slight change. It was very current and relatable on what is happening around us and incorporating dialogue that was very funny and effective. The entire cast was phenomenal and one new addition was the introduction of a new character, Laquisha Jones, played by Tomeka Tiller.

She was more than a receptionist at the salon, or should I say the beauty shop and one of the many highlights of the show. Her over-thetop and very colorful personality got the show off at a tremendous pace and the momentum never stopped.

She,and one of the main stylists, Brazil, played by Vac’ea Blondelle, began bantering back and forth from topics on weaves to bragging about the advantages of section 8 housing that brought laughter from the crowd. Brazil, who took pride that she was the best stylist twerking, brought the house down with her comedic antics.

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Lifestyle - Theatre To add to the comedic mix was another stylist that was way over the top, Christopher Rich, played by Dunnovan Waddell.

He had more sass and flair required of stylists and always had a quick comeback response to Laquisha and Brazil. Between these three characters the laughter continued to build.

And then there was Sister Rosemary, played by the infamous Kym Whitley. She honored her presence at the beauty shop to not only get her hair done but to tease them because her man was much younger. Of Course, that raised eyebrows and generated more laughs from the audience.

Kym Whitley

One of the most interesting and hilarious segments of Beauty Shop was Willie Brown and his side- kick, Woody, who could not control himself and that’s all I will say. You need to see this for yourself.

There was huge applause for the fabulous and powerful singing by Cybil Cain, played by Ursula Brown, and Roland Stewart, played by Derrick Monk. And I can’t leave out Herman Cain, played by Manson Thomas. He was married to Cybil and she had that man on a very tight leash. Others in the cast that brought depth, dimension, and very strong vocals as well as tons of laughter were Margaret Banks, played by Fredicka Kinlow who boasted about how big women can take care of a man and Mrs. Henderson, played by Morgan Jones who was rudely informed there was nothing they could do for her because she would need to go to the magic shop. Angela Jackson, played by Theresa Lang and Rachel Holmes, played by April Washington brought Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 27

Lifestyle - Theatre strong performances and I cannot forget the Male Exotic Dancer played by Leon Green that had the women in the audience swooning.

I have to say there was never a dull moment and if you have never seen “Beauty Shop,” you do not know what you are missing.

www.cloejalipa-art.net

Art meets Nature Ronnie Laws 28 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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Lifestyle - Fashion

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Jhรกzฤ Tanner

Designer

Lifestyle - Fashion

Kahlelah Goodine Leontine Abdullah, Niki Davis

Jházā Tanner

PHOTO: eli visionphotography

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Lifestyle - Fashion Fashion This year's theme is “Style Out Loud”

April 15th-22nd

Review and Photos By: DeeLee Manley During the fashion week, on April 20th, 2018, we in Atlanta were delightfully wowed by the fabulous designer, Leontine Abdullah, as she showcased her fall/winter 2018 line from Leontine Collections. Her designs are chock full of brilliant rich colors as well as black and white. Her fashions sense are a broad in ranges of ruffles, feathers, lace and more. Her inspiration from the 70s was apparent as the models commanded the walkway with bold grace. Learn more about this amazing designer, as you will be seeing a lot more of her.

www.leontinecollection.com

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Lifestyle - Fashion Fashion

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Lifestyle - Fashion Fashion

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Lifestyle - Fashion Fashion

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Lifestyle - Fashion Fashion

www.leontinecollection.com 36| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Concert

By: Art Jackson Photos by: Mann

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The latest CD and DVD from Lao Tizer, “Song from the Swinghouse” was recorded live with all the band members who are on the CD. But tonight at the famed Baked Potato in Los Angeles, Lao’s witty charm and foreplay with the packed sold out crowd had everyone in a great mood and ready for the first set of Songs from the Baked Potato show to begin.

With a brief introduction of the band on stage tonight included, on drums all the way from New Zealand Dylan Elise, on Percussion Munyungo Jackson, on bass Ric Fierabracci, on Guitar the tallest member of the band and Lao’s upstairs neighbor Jeff “Big Red” Marshall, on Sax the longest Let the music take you…

Concert

tenure member of the band other than Lao himself, is Steve Nieves. Other special guests to join in later were Karen Briggs on Violin and Tita Hutchinson who lives Hawaii on vocals.

Playing the CD in its entirety the set started with track 1 “The Source,” “16 Heavens” featuring Karen and Steve. Throughout the evening Lao gave a brief behind the music insights as he mentioned his favorite tune on the album, who’s song title was given by his close friend Gary Whitman since creating titles is not Lao’s strong suit, but feels that “Forever Searching” was the perfect name for the song.

The CD has 3 covers and the first is the band U2 “Pride In The Name of Love” and after a tremendous vocal performance; Lao rhetorically asked the crowd if Tita knew that her hair was purple… (laughter filled the air). But seriously, this lady can belt out a tune.

A story behind the next tune, that was written after the time of the Paris bombing, and as Lao so eloquently stated of the horrific attacks a couple of years Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 39

Concert ago, “one of the beautiful things about music is it’s a unifying bridge on all boundaries especially jazz; whether in language, ethnicity, geography, religion that often divides us” so this song was written with that event in mind “A prayer for Unity.” Dylan great solo bridged the gap from the haunting melody to the inspirational beats that signified the unity of a people filled with determination.

Led Zeppelin’s tune “Ramble On” featured Karen and Tita, together this is an awesome lady duo.

A previously recorded track that is kind of a spiritual piece for Lao; has he dedicated it to those who joined him tonight; from his mom and step dad who drove down from Tucson, his aunt and uncle from San Luis Obispo and girlfriend Brittany as this tune was written in the studio of band mate of Special EFX Chieli Minucci’s studio. As the story goes, Chieli went out to pick up some food and left the recording on, and Lao improvising on the fly as he feels that this is what he does best, unaware of the recording, then months later Chieli sent the music to him and it became this tune “To Touch The Sky” from the 2009 Passage CD. Karen Briggs wrote the beautiful strings to it.

Finally, “Uptown” a rousing interchangeable uptempo track heavy laden with violin, bass, drums and keys. Lao ended the first set as he urged everyone to storm the patio to pick up the new copy of the CD by saying, “Christmas is just around the corner, you cant get your Christmas shopping done soon enough.” (laughter) 40| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you…

Concert By: Sheila E. Ross

@

Ron Pride / Pride photography

The Perfect Note in Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama serves as the perfect place for local smooth jazz enthusiast to assemble and enjoy a fine dining and a show.

Tremayne Thompson, owner/operator presides over a packed-house turnout by first giving honor to God, acknowledging first time visitors, and announcing the venues’ most recent victories! You see, The Perfect Note has two BIG things to celebrate!

First, recently voted as one of the top intimate jazz venues in the nation by the artist themselves, THIS EXCITING NEWS IS OUT! Secondly, The Perfect Note is expanding to MEMPHIS, TENNESEE! BUT tonight it’s ALL about the anticipating performance of Orangeburg, South Carolina’s, International Contemporary Jazz Recording Artist/Trumpeter, Mr. Willie Bradley! Known as the trumpeter with "Heart N Soul," his music career spans forty-five years after he sought interest in playing an instrument for his middle school band, not caring which instrument his band director assigned him. It was from here, to becoming Dizzy Gillespie’s protégé in 1985 that ignited his ca-

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Concert After making a few additional announcements to both repeat attendees and first time visitors, Thompson finally introduces the band! He yells! He hollers!

Stirring up audience excitement for his personally configured band, now nationally known, something he says no one else has done! He introduces first to the stage, drummer, Isaiah Fogle, followed by bass guitarist, Chis ‘Batman’ White, lead guitarist, Eric Von Kimble and Kenneth KJ Rembert on keyboards! For Bradley’s grand stage entrance, the band begins to play “Doc’s Groove” and without delay Bradley steps onto the red and purple-lit stage in a keen-edged look.

You can sense his love for the audience as he immediately embraces them all, almost as though he stretches his arms out-wide to hug them all. He plays in coordination with the band; he melodiously shares the stage from his heart, knowing the band members are just as important as he is! After re-introducing the band, he plays “For the Love of You,” a beautiful melody that moves him into the congregation, pleasing listeners, creating evening memories for them! He plays with a top-notch skill and accuracy! He plays smart and focused as he arches his back to play the trumpet at just the right angle for just the right sound to emerge. From his heart, he shares the stage with guitarist, Eric Von Kimble (lead guitarist) on “What You Won’t Do for Love”. He works the stage thoughtfully; he plays measured and focused delighting listeners! Bradley continues the evening show with “Funktagious,” a proud newly made track of his. Surprisingly, “Same Ole Love” delivers to the stage, Michael Ham on saxophone of the Will Downing band.

Ham, an old college friend and Birmingham resident, colLet the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 43

Feature Concert Lifestyle laborates with Bradley composing a reunion friendship-poetry for the audience.

Bradley performs “Wishing On a Star,” followed by “Another Day in Time,” the title track on his 2013 ‘Another Day & Time’ CD. He FINALLY pleases the crowd with his October 2017 new CD release, title track, “Going With The Flow” and the audience immediately falls in love with it. The multi-talented Thompson re-enters the stage to conduct a close-up interview with Bradley, giving audience members an opportunity to ask him a few provocative questions.

Bradley says, to “Always listen to your child” as he really wanted to play in the band despite his father’s lack of support and out-right resentment. Bradley expressed his ability to overcome the resentment and move forward with life after years of alcohol abuse. Bradley finishes out the evening with “Grazin in the Grass” and “I’m Ready”. It was indeed a successful evening for him and the band!

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Concert Feature

NILS-PLAY

SJM: There are a number of Smooth Jazz Artists who are also educators, a few that come to mind are Patrice Rushen who is the Chair of Popular Music Program and Assistant Professor at the Thornton School of Music, USC in California, along with other notables there like Russell Ferrante Adjunct Assistant Professor and Bob Mintzer who is a Professor of Jazz Studies both of the Yellowjackets and Steve Cole noted member of the Sax Pack is a professor/adviser of music business at the University of St. Thomas.

guys can do it.”

SJM: When you say you are not a school person, what do you mean specifically?

CD RELEASE PARTY

Jazmin: You know that child who does not pay attention, likes to move around, just be all over the place---that was totally me! I’m still kind of like that now!

SJM: How do you reach out to your community?

Jazmin: I love doing different events here in Lakeland, FL. I am very active in my church; I do bible study sometimes. I play for various organizations both profit SJM: Do you incorporate your music tal- and non-profit organizations. I love to help the community; I think it starts ents in your classroom teaching? with the community.

Jazmin: I do. I play my saxophone; I do not play videos of me for my students, but I bring my saxophone from time to time to play for the class to show them that music goes beyond this classroom. I want them to know that I was once sitting in the same shoes as them and if they want to, they definitely can do it. I do not consider myself a school person, yet I am a schoolteacher and yet, I have a Master’s degree so I try to be a living 22| ISmoothJazz Let the music take testimony; say hey, “If IMagazine can do it, you Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 45

Concert Feature By: Sheila E. Ross

My arrival at Vitello’s, an attractive Italian restaurant first revealed a choice of delicious pasta and pizza cuisine for fine food lovers. Secondly, that fine-dining experience escalated for me with an unforgettable stair-step climb up to the second level of the venue for a first-rate show. You see---at the top of these steps, I joined other smooth jazz lovers in a luxuriously decorated performance-stage dining room, so strikingly beautiful, it had to be the gateway to heaven! This evening the curtain-raiser performance hit the stage, artistically alive! It was non-other than ‘The West Coast King of Guitar Strings’, guitarist, Nils Jiptner, fondly known as Nils!

Celebrating the release of his new “Play” CD on March 16th, Nils himself appears pumped and professionally ready for his sophisticated audience! As the show begins, he delights the audience with the familiar ‘Georgy Porgy’ from his 2005 Pacific Coast Highway album. It is indeed the perfect song to begin the evening for listeners! He commands and positions himself at center stage the entire show for He is ‘The West Coast King of Guitar Strings’!

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Concert He has earned this title! Under his direction, his thoughtfully assembled band EXPLODES in SOUND and expands to the stage in numbers, one after the other with the 2012 top charter, ‘Let’s Bounce’ from his “City Groove” album. Thereafter, Nils admits to the stage the multi-talented, Mr. Johnny Britt, who is featured on his new “Play” CD, Mr. Michael Parlett on Saxophone and Mr. Andrew Lipman on Trombone, ALL members of his explosive horn section! The beautiful Clydene Jackson, also featured on the new “Play” CD works keys and vocals this evening! She is accompanied by Mr. Eddie Brown on background vocals and percussions. He is the brother of Mr. Oliver Brown (of KC and the Sunshine Band) also on percussions. Working hard at both Bass guitar and drums is Mr. Darryl Williams and Mr. Tony Moore. But for this night, it is indeed the horn section that produces an amazing Unified SOUND EXPLOSION in the room accompanied by Nils’s singing guitar!

This musically talented and dynamic band, carefully chosen by Nils’s skillfully delivers the evening playlist from Nil’s vast library of music (13 songs in ALL!). Of course we are treated to favorites from his new “Play” CD that include: ‘Coast to Coast’, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Sway’, and ‘Straight Down the Line’. Other crowd pleasing selections include ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Alley Cat’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Call of the Sirens’, ‘Sarah Smile’, ‘PCH/Jump Start’, ‘What the Funk’, ‘Little Wing’ and ‘Tracks of My Tears’. If you have never experienced a Nils Show--YOU MUST! Nils electrifies Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 47

Feature Concert and lights up the room with simply his presence even he begins to lay fingers to his singing guitar! What an explosive night it was! If you missed this elaborate skillful show, Nils and Friends will play again on June 16th at Spaghettini Jazz Club in Seal Beach, CA. Take the time to allow Nils and his Friends to take you California-Home for the evening!

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Feature Concert

Earl Klugh

Jonathan Butler

Photos By: Michiko Moore

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Classy, Greasy, Jazzy, Funky, Ole Azz Booga Band

Tinkr

Feature

“We need to pay attention to where the future of humanity is going.”

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Feature By: Sheila E. Ross

Photos By: Aric Thompson / Tyree McLemore

About thirty minutes after his smooth soulful performance at the Suite Food Lounge in Atlanta on March 15th, I sat down with Mr. Meadows at a table booth to ask him simply one question. Because I had already reviewed his newly released CD, “Soul City,” I was anxious to hear his reply!

SJM: Mr. Meadows, where did the inspiration come from for the title of your new CD, “Soul City”? I have already reviewed “Soul City” and it published just today to the magazine at smoothjazzmag.com, but I do not want to reveal to you my perspective on it before I hear your perspective first!

Marion: So my “Soul City,” “Soul Traveler,” and “Whisper” CD’s are all a part of a trilogy and it is my attempt to demonstrate my contribution to HUMANITY in how we are caught up in this chaos, especially in our country today, but the world too.

We need to pay attention to where the future of humanity is going. It is very critical right now; we are digressing. We have all this technology right now and can’t move forward. We’re still killing and stealing. We can’t seem to figure it out, religion hasn’t done it, but MUSIC does. Music and Art---when people gather at musical events, or put on their headphones, it soothes the SOUL. And there is no killing or agenda that has anything to do with negative energy. It’s the only place I see where there is true salvation and positive energy. And I’m seeing it over and 52| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Feature over and over again and I’m noticing that, I don’t go to work with a gun. I don’t worry about anyone having a gun when I go to work.

And if someone was to take out a gun and start shooting, I can’t stop that. It would just happen, but the fact that we are so, gun, gun, gun and steal, steal, steal; we’re in trouble. The human race is in trouble. Because other animals on the earth don’t do that. They don’t steal, steal, steal, and kill, kill, kill.

SJM: And it’s so far away from what God’s original plan was for man; it’s so far departed from that?

Marion: Yes. And so much so that people, I get so tired of people talking about God that have no business talking about God. They have no business even mentioning the word. Because they are all just putting up a fake facade in using God’s name. And that also goes for people of all different religions. So, I just decided I would make that statement without being too political about it that

I’m actually concerned. Coming up, watching my father; he was in World War II. And you know, your black and you’ve got to deal with all that stuff that’s going on and you’ve got to keep moving forward and you’ve got to know how to work with the system and you’ve got to be educated and you need to speak well. And you have to understand that there are tools that goes along with that. And my father understood all that and instilled that into his children. And I certainly got that message, so along the way I found MUSIC and ART.

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Feature SJM: Now you do the canvas art, don’t you?

MARION: Yes, I do. I do the digital art and I paint as well. This is a part of the fantasy that I see as you painting a picture and that picture sometimes is a metaphor for life, but music is as well.

And everyone takes something different away from a song.

SJM: So, I’ve been told that about reviewing a CD, my perspective will not be the same perspective as others when they listen.

MARION: Yes. You’re absolutely right. That’s the beauty of it, because that is probably the secret formula on how we deal with diversity, because diversity is something that’s different from a Puerto Rican and a Cuban, an African American person and a person of Irish decent and an Italian person. We’ve had all these different cultures and beliefs and religions. We were raised all differently. And so, but we started to get that at some point and I do believe in America that after the cold war in the 60’s, that was the time America needed to turn inward and stop fighting wars that did not need to be fought and spend time and money on our human infrastructure and we did not do that. Now we are in trouble.

We’re in very deep trouble. Children do not have respect for parents anyone more. They’re crying out over a movement that they don’t quite understand other than the fact that kids are going into schools and 54| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Feature shooting up each other. And all these are broad stroking, but we never had that before. We had hate crimes and people who were ignorant and confused, but we knew how we had to move forward and people could buy a home and the bank didn’t steal your money and thirty years later, you sold your home and made money off of it.

SMJ: That’s that American dream, is it not?

MARION: Well the American dream could have been the American dream because we had all the potential to do that and I’m only speaking because I have only lived in this country, not an-

other country. I’m so shocked as to what is going on and it’s not just the president. Now he’s just a by-product of something that was going to happen eventually. The world needs a world leader, but as soon as you become that person, you’re going die; they’re going to kill you. Now President Barack Obama thought about being that person, but he had children and he knew that they would kill them if he spoke out against injustices and did crazy stuff that he could do as a president. I’m talking about very drastic things that would make him look like he was looking out for black people, Puerto Ricans or Mexicans or something. And he probably could have done these things, but he

“I’m so shocked as to what is going on and it’s not just the president.“ Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 55

Feature would have been assassinated. So, that’s the way it pretty much is. Any time you become a martyr for humanity, you die for it. No true martyr for humanity does not live to tell about it. Gandhi didn’t do it, Malcolm X didn’t do it, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. didn’t do it. So, we don’t have one of those persons right now.

I believe this pope wants to try to be that guy, but he’s so confined to that Catholic paradigm. I think he’s a very good person of God, really understands it, very unorthodox in relation to how a pope normally exudes papal ideology of how there’s supposed to carry themselves. This guy---I’m just going to still live in my apartment; I’m just really down for the people, and I don’t have to be fancy and request a new car just because I’m the pope! Maybe he will. But there’s got to be someone that will come along and start to say this is something we should do.

BUT MUSICANS---we consistently do that! We go to the aid of people when they need us and we don’t mind speaking out against injustice. And I’m very proud of the music community; I’m very proud to be a part of it! Tonight, this is what we do and this is what we can do! Out here, we have a good time and no one is fighting here in this venue! No one brought a gun here!

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Feature SJM: It’s complete civility!

Marion: Absolutely, civility at its best! And it shows you that it can be done! You stop stealing from people and you start treating them right, guess what’s going to happen? People aren’t going to want to kill, steal and shoot you! Just be civil! I tell people all the time that if you have a school bus that killed a lot of kids multiple times, you’ll get rid of that school bus! So why would you have a gun that keeps killing kids? How can you not get rid of a gun that all it does is kill people! It doesn’t do anything but kill people! Are you really that ignorant and that stupid?

Caught up in some money? It can’t be greed! No politician can even say the word!

All they say is, “We’re considering it.” Got Damn it! You don’t need to look into it!

Get rid of the Damn things tomorrow! But they don’t want to get rid of the stupid guns! They don’t want to have a data base of people owing them! They made us wear seat belts in cars! So, when it’s not healthy for you, they’ve done things! You can’t get a beer, but you can get the gun! I can get a beer, get drunk and kill myself! But I can get the gun and kill everybody else! That makes no sense at all! So “Soul City” is the melting pot! It is the place where people go to the cities and drawn to the cities!

SJM: You will love this review! I see now that I nailed your concept! It is a metaphor! It’s the Soul, the Soul of man! It’s the Soul of man which is the Mind, Will and Emotions of man. I used the language that the ‘Soul’ of the city AWAKENS! Which is the emotional part of man that wants to go out and have a good time to listen to the Smooth Jazz and dance! And at the end, I mention how the ‘Soul’ of the city quiets down for sleep until YOU PLAY AGAIN! Marion: Sheila, your words are so inspiring! And yes, you indeed did nail the review Sheila! You are right! Those are the metaphors! We all congregate! The black people, the Irish people; we all congregate. It’s like a mecca in a lot of ways!

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Feature

A Soul Survivor Still Feeling the Love Will

By: Ahlia Love

DOWNING

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Feature Our Musical history is rich with Balladeers who’ve created those memorable tunes that you craved at the historic teenage basement parties. Much of today’s music lacks that good old feeling when you listen due to the graphic nature of the lyrics. It’s hard to find good artistry in a love song today. Sadly, many of our favorites like Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross are not available to keep that soul flow going. For those of us who live for and love real music, the stuff that you can really groove to, Will Downing is certainly A Soul Survivor in his craft. Still serving up that delectable ear candy.

Before conducting this interview I offered my Facebook family the chance to ask Will Downing one question and the response was incredible. They sent instant messages, texts and replied to the feed. So a few of these questions at the end of this article will be from some of his long-time fans.

to enter The United States Marine Corp.

Since you were underage and your Father laughed when you asked him to sign your letter of intent; obviously that mission was never accomplished. In retrospect do you feel that after 20 CDs you may have better served your counWILL: Well, I think that the old phrase “Man plans and God laughs” comes into play. And I’m grateful. I mean I would have loved to have served but obviously, you know God had another plan and I’m glad that it worked out the way it did. try and the world by spreading love instead of becoming involved in potential combat?

SJM: In that same interview with Tony Brown you mentioned that you had jobs outside of the music world. Some include working at Carvel Ice Cream Shop and working as a Telephone Operator.

I’ve noticed another potential career where you would definitely excel, Comedy. You are a very funny Gentleman

SJM: In an interview with Philadelphia radio legend, Tony Brown (WILLAS FM) WILL: When I was ill back in 2007, while you stated that at age 17 you attempted I was on the mend working my way back 60| SmoothJazz Magazine

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Feature that I gravitated toward was Radio. So I started doing these radio shows. I have a weekly radio show that I still do to this day and that really took a hold. It was a good outlet for me. It felt like a second home for me. So I would probably go into radio.

SJM: By now I’m sure you must be growing tired of being asked about your battle with Polymyositis. To me, it’s a true testament of your faith, strength and perseverance. What was the most difficult part of that experience and what message would you share with anyone recently diagnosed with this condition?

WILL: I believe that I’m still here to speak about it. If you’re not going to help the next person what’s the point? I think I’m still here because I am supposed to bring awareness to people who don’t take care of their health like I did. I was that person. I didn’t listen to anyone or they were speaking and I was not listening intensely. So I think it’s important to speak about it. I don’t get tired of speaking about it at all. I would use me as an example for inspiration to realize that you can come back and the strange thing is that someone did it for me. Because when you’re lying there and you can’t do anything for yourself it not only messes with your body it messes with your mind. You start getting depressed and you start asking yourself “Why am I here?” Some people have taken their own lives. Some people have said take my life and have given up on life. So sometimes you need to see, you have to look at what is and you can also see someone as inspiration to see what can be. So you can overcome it but a lot of this mental and a lot of it’s physical. I think that I serve as an inspiration for those who have adjoining diseases with it like MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and all of that kind of muscle debilitating diseases that are out there. Sometimes you just need to see someone (with the same condition) that will give you the inspiration to keep going.

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Feature We opened the line of questioning to a few of Will’s fans and here’s what they came up with: Tecia Grinnage: What do you think about today's Note: Polymyositis left Will music?

Downing immobile and hospitalized for more than 6 WILL: I think I’ve become like my father or my months. During that time he parents in general. When I was coming up and I was temporarily unable to would say “You need to take a listen to this guy or speak. listen to this young lady sing.” They (My Parents) would say “Oh they can’t sing, that’s not music.” I’ve kind of become that person.

There some artists out there who are really good at what they do and they sound really nice but the majority of it I can’t really identify with anymore. The thing that they are calling R&B these days I don’t recognize it as R&B, I’m sorry. There are obviously some very good Artists out there and I am sure that they will hopefully grow to greatness but some of this stuff I’m hearing out here now I just don’t get it. I honestly don’t get it.

David McFadden: Who do you think, out of today's singers, is the most promising to carry the torch in your genre of music?

WILL: Oh, there’s quite a few of them. Artists like Kevin Ross, beautiful, beautiful voice. Avery Sunshine, even though she’s been around for a few years. I mean when you look at it in comparison to an Artist like myself or Lalah Hathaway or folks who have been in it for like 20+ or 30 years, like those guys are still new. I think Artist like that kind of maintain the R&B as I know it or as it was taught to me. I think it will be fine but I think that we’ve lowered the bar’s so low that we are just in a very strange place musically. Artists who aren’t Artists call themselves Artists, and people recognize 62 | SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you…

Feature them as such. We have to start making the differential between folks who are genuinely talented and then folks who are manufactured into being Artists.

SJM: What's on your bucket list in music?

WILL: Well I’m working on it right now. I’ve been promising my Mom for a long time that I was going to do a Gospel album. So I’m in the process of working on that even as we speak. I promised my mom and when I was ill and laying on my back trying to negotiate my comeback I told God I was going to do one. So I’m going to make good on my word. I got Mom and God looking over my shoulder while I’m working on this Gospel project and it’s coming out really nicely. I’m very excited about it.

Edward Washington: Besides music, what are you most passionate about in life and what would you like people to remember most about you besides being a great Musical Artist?

WILL: For the first part of that question; I’m passionate about a few things. I love Photography, which is something that I do on the side. I love to travel. I love to get out and see the world. That was one thing that changed my life. If you’ve never been anywhere you don’t know what’s outside of your general surroundings. The internet now is one thing and that can give you the illusion of travel but being there, seeing people, seeing how they live, how they think, there’s nothing like that. So, I really enjoyed travel quite a bit. The second part of the question; is, that I gave back to the world and I left it as a better place. That I raised three good Kids, I was a decent family man and things like that.

Needless to say, this was an interview that I did not want to see come to an end.

When we concluded the Q&A portion of the discussion we continue to chat like two old friends for close to 30 minutes. Will Downing is probably one of the most down to earth, inspirational & funny Gentlemen you’d ever be privileged to meet.

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Feature By: Ahlia Love

Debut Record

I believe it’s important to understand the meaning of Kayla Waters’ debut CD title. Apogee: The highest point in development of something; the climax or culmination.

From an Astronomer’s perspective, it’s the point in orbit of the moon or a satellite, furthest from the earth. I believe that is so appropriate just in terms of what I’ve experienced about Kayla’s character and talent thus far. Simply put Kayla Waters is out of this world.

What a way to break into the business. Kayla held a spot on the Billboard charts for 16 weeks and shot to the #1 position on April 8, 2017 with her hit single “I Am.” She’s super talented and soulful. Her skills on the keys are one thing but when she adds her vocals to the equation you have the complete package. It takes many artist decades to develop what Kayla seems to present effortlessly. The articulation, passion, clarity and more lets you know that she is indeed the Captain of her own musical vessel.

While listening to this CD for the 2nd time I had to let my (Music Aficionado) Mom listen to a few tracks just to make sure that I wasn’t jaded by Kayla’s incredible Spirit and personality. Mom said. “Hmm, that’s good I really like it.”

SJM: How old were you when you began to feel that music was something you wanted to pursue professionally?

KAYLA: I’m going to back up and tell you when I first started. Growing up from Aberdeen Maryland (30 minutes north of Baltimore) we had a Brentwood acoustic piano in our living room. I would always go in there and start playing on it. I actually remember in my conscious not knowing how to play and remembering what Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 65

Feature “I want to do what my Dad does.”

that sounds like. I would always go to my Dads concerts as a little girl. I got exposed to sound checks and live shows and artist meet and greets. I got exposed to that lifestyle at a very young age. Once I started piano lessons at age six I was really passionate about it. My parents never had to tell me to practice it was just something that came naturally. I remember going to one concert with my dad; I think it might’ve been the Richmond Jazz Festival. I was probably about 13 years old and I really understood it then. I was like “Wow”! I want to do what my Dad does. I want to be an artist, I want to play around the world, I want to write music. So my Dad really had a lot to do with the career path. I just fell in love with what he was doing and it naturally resonated with me as I began to hone and develop my gift. I pushed towards that and I knew at a young age that I really wanted to be an artist/ performer. I wanted to play, I wanted to write and it happened.

SJM: As a new artist with so much attention from your first CD; what was the experience like when you played keyboard for the likes of the legendary Gladys Knight, Marsha Ambrosius, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Imani Uzuri at BET’s “Black Girls Rock” awards show?

KAYLA: Oh my God! That was a God ordained experience. So I get the call from Kim Burse who is a world-renowned music director. She was the Artistic Director for Beyoncé for over 10 years and she was the Music Director for Ciara. Kim is currently working J Lo and a host of others. She is the Music Director for (BET’s) Black Girls Rock every year. I connected with her couple of years ago in L.A. (Los Angeles). We stayed in contact and in April 2016 she had offered to give me some tickets for Black Girls Rock. I had just reached out to her and she said she would love for me to come to the show. At first I was just supposed to attend the concert and then maybe a week and a half before the event she says “Hey Kayla are you familiar with the Roland keyboard? I may need you to play some parts on a couple of songs for the show.” So of course I’m like WOW! I get a call one week before the taping. She sent me the music, rehearsal was two days later.

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Feature SJM: Having a Father (Saxophonist Kim Waters) in the business. What do you believe has been the single most important piece of career advice he’s has given you?

KAYLA: Oh, that's a good question. My dad always says no matter what your live show must be on point. No matter what you've always got to be tight when it comes to the stage. You always want to smash every show. Your albums are important and what you do on your live performance is going to keep your fan base growing. It's what's going to get people to buy your records, it's what's going to get you more calls for gigs. So he always tells me be on point for your live shows make sure you practice. Make sure you're always working on your skills and your piano technique so that you're always ready at any given time. So all performance is one of his big things and I see that. I see that from him he's a master on the stage.

SJM: I’ve read a few of the comments about your debut project on Amazon. One in particular states “It's great to have some new talent added to a very "watered" down genre. Kayla's approach is refreshing, and I know that word gets used a lot, but I really mean it. My favorite saying is, "In order to be smooth jazz, you must first be jazz." Check and check. Nicely done. I'm just learning about this CD today, but I'll make it a point to get something by Ms. Waters into the rotation. I know KAYLA must be proud :)” How does it make you feel when you become a shinning star in a field of “watered down” talent?

KAYLA: That was another thing that I was aiming for with this project. Again, when I listened to "quote" Smooth Jazz sometimes I think a lot of the music sounds the same I wanted to have my own identity. I wanted to have my own sound. I like harmonies I like melodies I feel like there can be a beautiful compromise between being yourself and as well as creating music that can do well on the radio. So I really wanted to stay true to myself and I think that created it's own beauty. Jazz is a part of my roots. It's what my dad grew up on it's what I grew up on as a young baby and that's just all in my genes. It came out in my writing process so I'm just going to continue write music that feels good write music that represents who I am.

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same frequency (as in a higher level of consciousness) such as Heaven is Here, Elevation Bop, Spirit Awakening, Look to Love, the title track Apogee and your chart topper, I Am. Since your project is primarily instrumentals in your own words what is the message you want your listeners to take away from this project?

KAYLA: I entitled the work Apogee because I want my music to represent some type of ascent or movement to the heavenly realm. I’m Christian, I love the Lord so I’m always writing music to glorify Him. This was really a motivational album with messages of love and messages of inspiration. For example “Heaven is Here” (lyrics) “We’ve gotta’ walk through faith, we’ve gotta’ love in time, we gotta’ think in peace and release harmony. We gotta’ spread our wings and unleash our dreams no it’s not too late your heaven awaits.” It’s like I’m sending these messages so that people can understand the deeper meaning of life and continue to push forward and continue to move upward. Even “Freedom March” (Track #5) with what we’re dealing with politically I believe we can be free from political imbalance. We can be free from poverty, we can stop racism. I believe that we can be free. (The songs) are all messages that motivate us to continue to push forward in life.

SJM: Who are some of the Artists who have had the biggest influence on your musical style?

KAYLA: I’ve got to say my Dad always. My Dad, from the way I write and from the way I produce. I have a lot of influence from him. I’m a huge fan of a pianist named Eldar Djangirov, based out of New York. I’m a huge fan of Esperanza Spalding. I listen to a lot of different things a lot of different genres. I studied classical piano at Howard University so there’s Beethoven, Chopin and all the Classical pianists. They’ve influenced my writing style as well. A lot of the oldies I grew up listening to were by Earth Wind and Fire. We grew up listening to Gladys Knight and 70’s music so that’s where a lot of my soul comes from. Even with the Gospel genre there’s Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, The Winans family. It’s a huge plethora of 68 | SmoothJazz Magazine

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Feature influences. That’s why my music sounds like one big melting pot.

Kayla may be new on the music scene but she’s probably the youngest old soul in the business.

Upon meeting her she gave me the most firm, sincere hand shake which completely gained my respect and commanded my full attention.

When I listen to a CD there’s usually at least one or more tracks that I can live without. Not so in the case of “Apogee”… The CD just flows from one smooth track to another. I’m not just saying that because Kayla is an absolutely groovy human. Pick up the CD and listen for yourself. This is an essential addition to your road music and chill mode collection. Look for new music from Miss Kayla Waters Summer of 2018.

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CD Review Festivals By: Keivu Knox

There is something so familiar, yet so fresh about Lindsey Webster. She is able to draw on great vocalists of the present, while carving a lane of her own. In 2016 she made history by being the first woman in six years to have a #1 song on the Contemporary Jazz charts, and two years later she is ready to make even more history with her latest album, “Love Inside.”

Every song on this album was written by Webster and her husband, Keith Slattery, who also holds down all of keyboard and piano work on the project. With that in mind, it is not surprising that not only is love the 70| SmoothJazz Magazine

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CD Review the overall theme, but that message is crafted and created in a way that sounds and feel appealing, positive and hopeful. The title track is also the opening song on the project, and is also the album’s lead single. It effectively speaks of how love can encourage you and give you the possibilities to do great things. This song is the perfect mid-tempo groove that allows Webster to showcase her clear tone and angelic range. “A Love Before” is a song that chronicles love going wrong in the past, but laid the foundation for true love that is finally found. It’s a lyric dripping with honesty and from a point we call can relate to, as Webster sings “When you came into my life, I finally felt like I got it right. Although it took some time, every love before….led me to you.”

There are plenty of moments on this album that will keep your ear open and your finger on the repeat button. “Free To Be Me” a song inspired by some of the social injustices in our world today, has an Earth, Wind & Fire nod with its arrangement and melody, and features Norman Brown on guitar. “Dream,” a song inspired by martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, finds Webster delivering a well controlled yet powerful vocal performance that will compel the listener to act now to live and love better. “It’s Not You, It’s Me,” stands as my personal favorite song from the album. Rick Braun is featured on trumpet, and is the perfect fit on another great melody and arrangement that could easily be another single from the album. The theme of the song isn’t as positive or hopeful as the majority of the album, as Webster states “It’s not like me to act that way, I don’t know how I changed but I can see that it’s not you, its me.” There’s a layer of honesty propelling this song that is missing, yet needed in our current musical landscape.

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CD Review “Love Inside” is quite simply, one of the best albums, in any genre, to be released this year. There is depth, sincerity, variety and honest on this project that is not found every day. At just 30 years old, Lindsey Webster is showing maturity, both lyrically and musically that most at her age could not even fathom to give. She was able to share her heart to us, and I am thankful that her love for music and for us lies within it.

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New CD Releases 2018

Michael Lington "Silver Lining" 06/08/18 BUY

Drew Davidsen "Innerspace" 05/04/18 BUY

Van Morrison and Joey DeFrancesco "You're Driving Me Crazy" 04/27/18 BUY

Tia Fuller "Diamond Cut" 05/25/18 BUY

Lenny Kravitz "Greatest Hits" Vinyl 05/18/18 BUY

Joey Alexander "Eclipse” 05/04/18 BUY

Allan Harris "The Genius Of Eddie Jefferson” 04/27/18 BUY

Nick Colionne "Just Bein Me" 04/27/18 BUY

Hudson "Record Store Day" 04/21/18 BUY

CD Review By: Sheila E. Ross

The Soul of the city AWAKENS and comes alive at nightfall as Smooth Jazz-stylist saxophonist, Marion Meadows makes this inescapable on his new CD “Soul City,” the title track. Meadows smooths and soothes here as he pipes out beautiful soprano sax sounds along with Grammy award winner Norman Brown on guitar and Joey “Papa Joe” Summerville on trumpet, the trio ignites this first track as they capture the essence of the jazz sound that charms jazz lovers during their nighttime escapades.

The second track on the CD, entitled, simply ‘Dreamin’ comes alive featuring Maysa on Vocals and Mr. Peter White on guitar. This soft love Latin vibe tune, a lover’s ache for her lover results in Maysa singing, “I’m so confused waiting for you” and “Am I a fool?”

Though she touches her lover within her mind, she tires of long distance and passing the time away, simply dreaming.

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CD Review The third track on the CD, simply entitled, ‘You’ features Trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw from the City of Brotherly Love. He makes this fun!

Marion on “Baby It’s You!” Playing both tenor and soprano saxophones, he serenades the girl in his life! Mr. Will Gains on vocals emerges soft, soothing and collaborates beautifully with the soprano sax.

Additional tracks on the CD include ‘Merry Go Round,’ featuring Atlanta’s own Latrese Bush. She shares the typical “back and forth” between lovers, something we all can attest to. “Time After Time,” Cyndi Lauper’s first number one hit in January 1984, which helped her, win a Grammy. Vocals by non-other than the Mr. Peabo Bryson & the Super Choir of Atlanta and The Nicole Neely String Chicks Music LLC assists the group with strings.

Other tracks on the CD include ‘Be With You’ featuring KIM Fleming and Maria Meadows.

The first of the last three tracks on the CD include ‘SAMBADEPLAYA’. This is pretty with Will Downing on Vocals! It is joyful, fun, and mysterious at the same time with Meadows on soprano sax. ‘No Wind, No Rain’ features on vocals, the beautiful talented, Dana Lauren! She is classy, elegant, and bewitching all at the same time. She delights us at times with a beautiful slow motion scat that is reminiscent of the great Ms. Ella Fitzgerald. ‘Only,’ this is beautiful, simply breathtaking, and elegant.

Meadows now QUIETS the Soul of the city for sleep, but only until the next time.

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CD Review By: Shelia E. Ross When we reflect on the word Magic, enchantment, fascination and dreamlike images come to mind. When the words ‘Magic City’ synthesize together, an environment so beautiful, so magical, so full of fantastic sound pierces our senses and composes an atmosphere for us so captivating, we enter into a passageway that leads us to another dimension. Hip-Hop / Jazz Violinist, Josh Vietti superstructs this experience for us on his new smooth jazz CD entitled ‘Magic City’ scheduled for release on May 5. This smooth jazz Grammy Award worthy CD includes twelve tracks, seven of which are covers that you will immediately connect with and take a stroll down memory lane and then there are five original songs by Josh including the title cut ‘Magic City,’ on this track he collaborates with the dramatically skilled saxophonist/flutist, Marcus Anderson and charismatic pianist, West Byrd. All together, they create a magical city for smooth jazz listeners filled with grace, beauty, soul, love and pizazz. As this handclapping, joyful, spirited beat embodies Vietti’s POWER and displays his artistry fully as it generates emotion and good feelings for the listener.

Track three, “Grazing in the Grass,” the Hugh Masekela 1968 top charting hit originally written by Philemon Hou. This rendition is so delightful, so soft and soothing; it will complement the outdoor jazz in the park listening experience. On track five, Vietti soulfully executes the 1970’s Thom Bell hit, “People Make the World Go Round.” It is here, we significantly absorb album producer/master, W. Timothy Bailey’s masterful expertise, for both he and Vietti’s workmanship. Track eight on the CD, “Jazz On the Beach” features West Byrd on piano. This night-loving tune unwinds airy and sexy, and without a doubt provides escape to outdoor romantic places.

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CD Review Vietti, the VIRTUOSO he has NOW BECOME, has risen from the artistic masterful hands of world renowned Mischa Lefkowitz. Vietti slides his bow across the acoustic violin, and plucks with shear perfection, creating a wizardry that displays star-quality with all intricate violin playing skills with top-notch precision.

JOSH

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Festivals CD Review By: Keivu G. Knox Janice Kephart’s latest project is one that is original, personal, ambitious, and rich with depth. It is a spoken word project that leans on the perspective of her great-grandfather, Horace “Kep” Kephart. The elder Kephart resided in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and chronicled everything he saw and heard during his time there. His documents have been archived at Western Carolina University and were also reference by Ken Burns in one of his documentaries on National Parks. Now, Janice Kephart puts this content to music and is joined primarily by Buddy Speir, Alexandro Quervalu and Andy Hamburger.

There are 16 tracks on disc 1 and 7 on disc 2, alternating between introductions and descriptions, and the actual musical track with spoken word. Kephart is effective in her execution this way, because it sets you up very well to get an understanding of the history, and context of each piece. “Back of Beyond” is dripping of imagery, as Kephart longs to see and feel what her great-grandfather experienced in the Smoky Mountains. Back of Beyond is another name of those mountains, and as you listen to Kephart’s wishes, you can envision what it was like to be in that environment. Speir’s guitar is on full display here, and it helps in delivering effective imagery as well.

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CD Review “Tuskasegee River” is the next track, and it benefits from an exceptional musical arrangement.

The percussion of Andy Hamburger creates the foundation that evokes a storm-like feel. As Kephart explains what “these smoky waters can bring,” the musical accompaniment matches her intensity. “Spirit of a Woman” continues in this vein, with a track that is a little more upbeat, that compliments the story of a woman considering her fate but is confident in knowing of where she would like to be buried. Kephart’s storytelling and emotion is transcendent.

Consistency is truly a priority on this project, as every track benefits from an effective build of both word and music. By the time you get to the album’s finale entitled “Illusion”, which is an interpretation of a woman looking back at what happened during the Trail of Tears, you are longing for another story!

The essential part of a spoken word album is its ability to shift the listener to those places and times that the artist describes. On this project, Janice Kephart is able to do this effortlessly time and time again. It’s a testament to her being able to connect the music with the words, and it will have those looking for a great musical and historical piece, knocking on her door.

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CD Review By: Keivu G. Knox

When it comes to releasing your debut album, it can be a pressure –packed situation. There is the fear of the unknown, not being sure of how people will approach the finished project. Will it be a hit? Will there be something that grabs attention? Will there be a song that everyone can enjoy? All of these thoughts could get in the way of the music and releasing a quality project. In the case of Michael Alan, after listening to his debut album, Distant Worlds, any fears he felt should disappear pretty flute work on this track. Another one of quickly. my favorite melodies from this album can be found on “On a Good Day,.” It Distant Worlds is eleven tracks of mecaptures the essence of what a good lodic joy that is led by Alan’s command day would sound like. He evolves and of the saxophone. The high octane twists over a catchy melody that you lead=off track entitled “Talk To Me,” don’t want to end! starts off the album and does an effective job in getting the listener quickly in- Alan is not afraid to go in different directo it. Seeing the video that was recently tions on this album, in order to have a released for it helps to frame up how little “something for everyone.” His take this song could be a hit in his live conon the classic Spinners hit “I’ll be cert set or at a nightclub. “Morning in Around,” is a good one. It stays close to Tunisia” follows next, and while the the original but allows some room for pace slows just a bit, the musicians do improvisation by the band. The updated not lose a step. Again, a fresh and flow- sound and the arrangement of the ing melody can be found, but not just flutes give it an extra nice touch. Alton the sax. There is great guitar and hough “Whenever You are Near” is a 82 | SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you…

CD Review song that is a full instrumental track, it is so perfectly constructed, you can actually hear the name of the song fit comfortably on the hook of the song. For an extra change of pace, the lone vocal performance on this album comes from Marie Veillard, and is also sung in French. “Mon Seul Amour,” means “My Only Love in French, and does a great job of capturing a European vibe.

Michael Alan delivers in various categories on Distant Worlds. Stellar musicianship? Check. Capable melodies? Check. Varied sounds and sub-genres?

Check. Familiar songs? Check. An album that you can put on and enjoy while driving, working or relaxing? Check. One of the better debit albums to come along in smooth jazz in recent memory? Check!

www.terraprimerecords.com

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CD Review By: Avzal Ismail Hot on the heels of her 2017 Latin Grammy-winning “Dance of Time,” pianist, singer, arranger and composer Eliane Elias returns with another superb offering in the form of “Music from Man of La Mancha.”

Recorded with two different trios—one with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jack DeJohnette and the other featuring Marc Johnson on bass with Satoshi Takeishi on drums, (with Manolo Badrena joining on percussion), the nine -track collection is an all-instrumental rendition with a fresh new twist of a selection of songs from the legendary Broadway musical.

If there was anyone that could put a unique flavor to this hit musical, it had to be Eliane. With her natural flair for superb rearrangements and renditions of some of the greatest music in the jazz vocabulary such as that of Jobim and Bill Evans, “ Man of La Mancha” proves no different.

Here she is once again in her element, doing what she does best, driving her band to new heights and taking the listener on a flurry of beautiful soundscapes painted with melody, harmony and a superb Latin / Brazilian twist to an iconic set of music.

I saw Eliane perform up close not too long ago in London. I got to spend some time with her and Marc Johnson and boy let me tell you, she is the real deal.. Intense, fiery, passionate and joyful all at the same time.

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CD Review co-production by Mitch Leigh, the late composer of the music for the original Broadway production.

and such favorites as “A Little Gossip,” “The Barber’s Song” and “It’s All Man of La Mancha the actual musical the Same.” “This premiered in 1964 and was inspired by record is Brazilian/ an earlier, non-musical stage producLatin/jazz,” she tion,I, Don Quixote, itself inspired by says. “It has all the Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century mas- elements together, terpiece Don Quixote. Among the classic which felt like a natsongs written by Mitch Leigh for the ural blend to me.” musical was the often recorded “The Impossible Dream,” reworked by Elias In her own unique and inimitable style, for this project.

Eliane Elias has captured the essence of the music, staying true to the composThe idea for the album came about as er’s wishes and yet capturing it in a Elias recalls, when she was asked com- fresh and original reworking. pletely unexpectedly to meet with the Tony Award-winning Leigh. The compos- This album has been on repeat for the er paid a visit to the musician’s New past week and with each new listening, I York apartment with a proposition: that am enjoying even more. If you are a fan he commission Elias to arrange, perform of Broadway, if you are a fan of Latin and record a new album of songs from Jazz, if you are a fan of just great music, the show. The Brazilian pianist, who had then this is an album that is an absolute by then been living in the United States must. for more than a decade, immediately enthused about the idea and the seed Superb all around musicianship, fresh was planted. and exciting, this album will go down as a classic and is certainly deserving of no Upon re-familiarizing herself with the less than a Grammy or two. Get it, put it material, Elias ultimately focused on on repeat, pour yourself a glass of wine nine pieces including “The Impossible and enjoy...I know I am going to do just Dream,” as well as the show’s title track that.

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Lifestyle

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CD Review By: Carolyn Beverly

There is jazz and there is JAZZ both of which share the same meaning. Then there is Adam Hawley. The meaning is the same and the others but, the groove is different. It is ‘Double Vision’ with ten jazzy tracks that are sure to get you moving on the very first track “Just Dance” but do not stop there continue to push through to track two because it is strictly for the “Party People,” adding extra party flavors featuring Jeff Lorber on keys. Other tracks included on the cd “Can You Feel It” featuring Marcus Anderson as this is the first single released on Track three. Double Vision just continues the tradition of Hawley and his musical values. Come on stay with me

because Adam Hawley is going to put you in a “Travelling Mood,” which features Julian Vaughan. That bass will definitely get you there on time.

Double Vision is non-stop with “Detroit,” “Hello” featuring Kat Hawley on vocals. This is the only cover on the cd which is given an imaginable favor of her own. Track seven “Shuffle” featuring my good friend Damen Kahn on saxophone. He is a badd, yes with two d’s, boy on that sax. But, don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

“Just A Friend of Mine” Track 8. Nine and ten “Shake” and “1AM.”

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CD Review By: Carolyn Beverly

This cd is one of the best ever and is the second cd project for Adam Hawley. All I have to say is there is some truth to that old saying “The second time around.” Adam Hawley, states “My number one goal was to have my second album not only live up to the first but hopefully surpass it. I was overwhelmed with the support and feedback I received and definitely wanted to repay the listeners with a fitting second offering rich with strong grooves.”

Well, all I have to say is Mission accomplished. This cd will definitely leave you with “Double Vision.”

For more information visit Here:

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CD Review By: Eryn Bozeman Vincent Ingala is a young extremely talented young man. I do not even know where to start with this review. Should I say, how in the world did this young man get this old soul with this much talent at such a young age? Should I say I can’t believe all this talent is wrapped up in a man in his twenties? Should I say how can this be his 5th cd and he is so young? Yes, he’s all that, but he’s also an awesome multi-instrumentalist that brings everything to his projects.

VINCENT INGALA

PERSONAL TOUCH

The “Personal Touch” cd is a beautiful mixture of jazz, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a young fresh approach to really good music. It has 10 tracks with two classic 80 tunes revamped and made to sound new again. His remakes are, “Love Zone” by Billy Ocean, and “If You Were Here Tonight,”

by Alexander O’Neal. These are two timeless classics that have you singing along as he takes you back on an 80’s journey. Vincent’s talent doesn’t stop there on this cd, it has greatness overflow. I love the title track from the cd, “Personal Touch,” because of the way it moves and its upbeat feel. However, this young artist gives it to you on all his tracks, so I’m not sure I can give a cd favorite this review. I don’t say that because nothing stands out. I say it because I find myself loving and enjoying all of them. I have played them numerous times looking for a standout. They ALL stand out. I have to say I really enjoy how he puts music together.

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CD Review I like his keys in “Can’t Stop The Rain From Falling.” I like the guitar in “Not Meant To Be.” I really enjoy the drums and keyboards in “Feng Sway.” So, that makes it a really tough decision, and maybe I will just keep enjoying until I decide.

(Yes, I’m laughing with a mischievous grin.)

Let me close by saying everything on this cd is melodic magic. You will enjoy this from beginning to end. You will play it over and over without even realizing you have pushed repeat. You will share it with friends and play it in the background when friends come over for drinks. You will always smile while you are enjoying it, and if you are smart you will catch him in a live performance to experience it at its best. This is truly one of my favorite cd’s to date and if you don’t have it, you should!

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Festival

EVERETTE HARP * KEIKO MATSUI * LINDSEY WEBSTER * NICK COLIONNE

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Festival

JEFF LORBER VINCENT INGALA

RAGAN WHITESIDE NAJEE

JEFFREY OSBORNE RICK BRAUN

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Festival

DAMIEN ESCOBAR

CINDY BRADLEY

CHRIS STANDRING

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Festival

Lao Tizer Band

By: Art Jackson Welcome to Bakerfield, CA., the hour and a half; 113 miles drive north/east of Los Angeles is a nice little relaxing drive as you roll up to a spacious cities where the hustle and bustle of the big city life is non existence.

With a plethora of comfortable lodging options at very reasonable prices and familiar restaurants chains from Denny’s to Starbucks to partake it makes for easy weekend transition of having all the comforts of home.

But the big draw this weekend is the 32nd Annual Jazz Fest that featured headliners Lao Tizer (Fri) and Poncho Sanchez on (Sat).

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Festival The festival held on the campus of California State University of Bakersfield (CSUB) in their amphitheater made for a perfect venue on a lovely spring day of 73 degrees.

Photos By: Michael Chadburn

Carl Allen

The two day event started promptly at 7pm with three bands on the schedule, Velorio, that kicked off the weekend with their flair of Latin Jazz, while Carl Allen & The Art of Elvin provided more Straight Ahead entertainment and Lao Tizer Band featuring Eric Marienthal ended the evening playing some new music from his new CD “Songs From The Swinghouse.”

The Art of Elvin

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Festival Photos By: Mann Over the 32 years this festival has had a who’s who of artists to grace their stage: Arturo Sandoval, Feddie Hubbard, Christian McBride, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Tower of Power, Gerald Albright, Pete Escovedo just to name a few. But more importantly the festival also raises money for scholarships for deserving students. As the Director of the festival Jim Scully stated “Thanks for all the support from the alumni, community and our sponsor who supports this event as well as providing the $20,000 dollars that is given out to students over this weekend.

We got to hear first hand current and past students perform as the CSUB Jazz Collective band opened up with a Earth, Wind & Fire tune “Fantasy” under the directions of Jim Scully.

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Festival SATURDAY, APRIL 28 / 2P The rest of the line-up included local artist to interPONCHO SANCHEZ national. One of the things that I am fond of DAVE STRYKER QUARTET with jazz festival is hearing bands for the first THE FUNKY KNUCKLES time live and The Funky Knuckles a band from AMINA FIGAROVA SEXTET Dallas, TX did not disappoint, they delivered an ec- MARION MACKEY lectic set that definitely wanted to me to check them out more.

The set open with a nice smooth jazz tune “Arise” off of their New Birth CD that was released June of 2017. They are working on their 4th CD due to be releases later this fall. Each guy in the band writes so there were great solo’s from each member which provided a

L to R: Wes Stephenson, Kwinton Gray, Evan Weiss, Phil Aelony, Ben Bohorquez and Cedric Moore.

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