ENTERTAINMENT Kirk Whalum
The New Tri-State Defender, March 12 - 18, 2015, Page 11
WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?
The all-new ‘What’s Happening Myron Radio Show’ Have you ever wanted to share some really good news, but you had to sit on it for a couple of weeks before you let the cat out of the bag? That’s been me! Well, now I can share. LaMyron dies and gentleMays men, get ready for the all-new What’s Happening Myron Radio Show! The grand debut is Sunday (March 15th) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, on AM990 KWAM. So what can you expect from the show? I’m glad you asked! My co-host Rhonnie Brewer and I are gonna bring you great conversation, great music, great information and lots of good news! If you’re always on the lookout for what to do on the weekends, you’ll be able to fill your calendar with plenty of concerts, club nights and other events. If we’re not talking about it, it’s probably not happening. Find out who’s who and who’s doing what in Memphis. Hear from the movers, shakers and the people who make Memphis as great as it is. That includes local writers, authors, musicians, filmmakers, performers and game changers! Did I forget anyone? Oh, and we can’t forget the “Hey Myron” relationship letters from my column in Southern Soul Magazine. That’s gonna be a lot of fun. You’ll have the chance to call in to the show and be a part of the discussion. Yes, Memphis has its challenges. However, Memphis belongs to US! It’s “our” city and “our” house. Now it’s “our” time. I step into this new venture fully aware that Memphis has a lot of great things to offer and I’m eager to help us do a more complete job of sharing those things with each other and the world as well. Let’s face it. Too many of us have forgotten where we came from. We’ve forgotten the about the impact that Memphis has made on music. We’ve forgotten the impact that Memphis has made on entertainment. We have forgotten the impact that “our” house has made on the world. Now it’s time to remind ourselves and the world who we are. We are Memphis! So get ready for two hours of entertainment, information, enlightenment and all things Memphis. Join me on Sunday for the first show! My special guest will be comedian Caszell Williams and 15-year-old R&B sensation Serenity, both from right here in Memphis.
‘The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter IV’ In a career spanning decades, Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum has spread his indelible inspiring musical “message” via the acclaimed “Gospel According To Jazz, Chapters I – III” series. On March 24th, Whalum will release the “Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter IV.” The highly-anticipated project includes a twodisc, 19-song CD and a feature-length DVD that reflects the growth of the Gospel According to Jazz series into a “docu-musical.” “The Gospel According To Jazz, Chapter CD release is IV” docu-musical is a March 24th combination of concert film and documentary. It captures Whalum and an all-star ensemble in a high-level musical performance. Whalum uses this latest work to address some of today’s most pressing social tensions – such as gun violence, healthcare and homelessness – with a message of peace, love and redemption. The result is a collection of songs inspired by family, friends, influencers and his heroes: Nelson Mandela, President Barack Obama, John Coltrane, Paul McCartney, Waymon Tisdale, George Duke and Curtis Mayfield. Among the concert highlights are “Let ’em In,” Paul McCartney’s song of inclusion that hints at immigration, and “Just As I Am,” another nod to tolerance. The Curtis Mayfield classic “Keep on Pushin’” preaches hope and empowerment and “My Hero” is a tribute to President Barack Obama.
Whalum adds a touching tribute to the great George Duke, who played on all three previous versions of “The Gospel According To Jazz” and passed away planning to per-
(Got an event you’d like for to cover or attend? Email me at Myron@ whatshappeningmyron.com.)
form on Chapter IV. “Un Amor Supremo” is a Spanish arrangement and tribute to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” with “Madiba” a tribute to Nelson Mandela. A promotion tour that kicks of in New York
City on March 14th will stop in Memphis on March 29-31.
(Album stream, Disc 1: http://smarturl.it/ kwgatj4CD1; Disc 2: http://smarturl.it/kwgatj4CD2.)
An evening with Ledisi, Raheem Devaughn & Leela James Concert Review: Three top-notch performers show out as promoter Fred Jones delivers again. by Warren Roseborough
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Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Emissaries of Memphis Music Speaking of Memphis and its music influence, the Memphis Music Commission presents the Annual Emissaries of Memphis Music event Thursday March 12th at the Kroc Center. The Emissaries of Memphis Music event spotlights our local creative heroines and their career accomplishments. These individuals not only include musicians, singers and songwriters but others who have played an important part in introducing Memphis music to the world such as medical, legal and other support personnel as well. The proceeds from this event benefit the Memphis Musicians Healthcare fund which provides free access to medical care for Memphis musicians. This year’s honorees include Tracy Bethea Program Director for 95.7 WHAL, Carol Rakestraw of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, singer and songwriter Sandy Carroll, Dr. Nance Chase, gospel singer Michelle Prather,Yvonne and Lorraine Mitchell of Royal Studio and Pat Mitchell Worley, host of the Beale Street Blues Caravan radio show. General admission tickets are on sale now for $50. You may get more information at www.memphismusic.org.
Kirk Whalum’s “The Gospel According To Jazz, Chapter IV” docu-musical is a combination of concert film and documentary that captures Whalum and an all-star ensemble in a high-level musical performance. (Courtesy photo)
Raheem Devaughn showed he was worthy of being king for the night, delivering a soul-satisfying performance at the Orpheum on Saturday night.
had the pleasure of checking out the Ledisi, Raheem Devaughn and Leela James concert at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday. Fred Jones, founder of the Southern Heritage Classic, promoted the concert and – as always – delivered a slam dunk. The show opened with Leela James, who is riding the wave of her fifth studio album, “Fall For You.” Nominated for a Soul Train award, James showed her true talent and vocal range during a flawless performance. Featured on the second season of TV One’s “R&B Divas LA,” James kicked off an evening of audience engagement talking and toying with members of the crowd during her performance. Raheem Devaughn, who is definitely one of my favorite recording artists, came out with a crown on his head, and then showed he was worthy of being king for the night. Many of Devaughn’s songs reflect an appreciation and respect for women and he delivered a strong performance of them. He told the crowd of his LoveLife Foundation, which he uses to address several causes, including domestic violence. Audience members were encouraged to make a donation and take a photo with him. Ledisi did what stars with one stage name do – she brought it. Rolling out hit after hit, that incredible voice was in full effect. The crowd seemed to particularly love the humor she showed while sharing stories associated with her songs. My grade is A-plus for the artists and the promoter.
(Photos: Warren Roseborough)
Ledisi rolled out hit after hit while performing at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday.
Promoter Fred Jones backstage with Leela James during a crowd-pleasing concert at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday.
Raheem Devaughn directs the crowd to join him in recording the moment and sharing it via social media during his performance at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday.