THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. Magazine Issue 5 Jan 2014

THE

IN

M.E.E.

MAGAZINE

I S S U E 5 J A N UA RY 2 0 1 4

ISSUE I S S U E

3

J U L Y

1

JANU ARY

2013

2 0 1 3

SMOOTH alloZrca MJAZ FESTIVAL I Met M.E.E. in Spain

Recap

the return of

THE

JAZZ IN M.E.E.

o atsui KeikM

MAGAZINE LAUNCH PARTY

25

CELEBRATING A TRIUMPHANT

YEARS

Get your print and free digital download today!

Offering a VIP special rate of $79.99, reg. $89.00, and, for a limited time only, if you subscribe online, you’ll receive our exclusive rate of $69.99.

A fusion of jazz, fashion and art, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E magazine is the premiere source for the jazz industry and its artists. Captivating an audience of over 180,000 national and international readers, this quarterly digital and print magazine chronicles the stories behind the hottest and most fascinating artists and trends in the jazz industry.

THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine celebrates the jazz genre from a fresh and passionate perspective through dynamic cover stories, trendy blogs, festival/cruise insights, and “Jazz Watch” music reviews on past and present artists.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE

subscribe2014.thejazzinmee.com

photo by Melody Warren

Contents Editor’s Notes of Jazz

04

U-NAM

06

RobTardik

08

Anthony Jefferson

09

COVER STORY Phil Denny

10

Swag M.E.E

15

Jazz Watch

16

Weekend in L.A.: Tribute to George Benson Limitless

Taylor Moore - Smooth Jazz Cruise Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren Contributing Writers Carolyn Beverly Monica Murphy Eaves Sharon Rae North Contributing Photographers April Hall Mark Gunter Marvin Hall Brad Rogne Rhonda Lane Moses Sparks Micheal Osborne Jose Alfredo Michael Profesorski Cover Image Marvin Hall Design & Layout Tonya D. Wright Jereme Brown Nwora Fairley Copy Editor Valerie McCarley THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. P.O. Box 683184 Houston, Texas 77268 281-260-8469 info@thejazzinmee.com www.thejazzinmee.com THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. is published 4 times a year quarterly. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, advertisers or staff. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher

But Beautiful

Crossover

Artists that are Creating a Buzz

Smooth Jazz Cruise

18

Gerald Albright

21

My First Time

A Class Act

Joe Leavy

A Guy Named Joe Leavy

26

Master Pencil Artist - Clarence Pointer

M.E.E. Art Gallery

31

In the Jazzy Limelight

32

Tip Jar: Papajazzi

36

A Musician Saves My Life

Dr. Sabrata Ghosh

38

Under the Sign with M.E.E.

40

Jazz Call

42

Robert Glasper

WWW.THEJAZZINMEE.COM

THE MELODY IN M.E.E.

a blog of musical expression

with Narrio Wright

All rights reserved by Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. & THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.

25

3

photo by Micheal Osborne

Editor’s Notes of Jazz A MESSAGE FROM BRON

Can you believe that it’s been one year? THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. has witnessed a series of accomplishments during our first year of publishing, a sort of crescendo effect leading up to this amazing letter and successful year that says that we are on the right path. Keiko Matsui has vowed her support, Art Sherrod posted, “I’m proud of M.E.E. and you are creating a legacy”, Marcus Anderson posted that “M.E.E. is the future”, Matt Marshak says, “THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. is an amazing publication! Your coverage of the diverse format of jazz is superb! The stories, features, and the unbelievable presentation make this publication irresistible!”

Our readers are very excited about M.E.E. The following letter was sent to us and we would like to share it. This type of positive feedback keeps M.E.E. going and inspires us to continue to support this national treasure, jazz. We were blown away by the sincerity in the delivery of Bron’s message. We appreciate Bron for taking the time to write such an inspiring and heartfelt letter. Thank you!

THE JAZZ IN MEE MAGAZINE JAN 2014

Musically yours,

4

Love You, JAZZ, your message and your spirituality in energizing yourself into the music world of jazz! You are fantastic! Your synopsis of how you became more entrenched into your destiny of organizing, presenting, and discovering your divine purpose in life was gratifying. As a native from New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, I worried about the creators of jazz going unnoticed and forgotten in a historical perspective by the people who love it most. I believe that we have inner guides that help us navigate life’s obstacles and I feel that you have what it takes to help pass down the unique and marvelous music of jazz in all it various forms.

The more I read of how each phase of growth transpired during your jazz exploration and how right it felt; the process, the people you connected with, the feedback, the cause to advocate for, the growth of the company and the decisions you make in research and development for organizational objectives, the more I felt at home in my desire to subscribe to THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine. And as a freelance writer and jazz enthusiast, I look forward to reading about the projects and events associated with the producers and artists in the jazz arena. I would also be more than happy to lend my professional freelancing skills to help advocate and submit jazz articles.

You seem to be very much at home living your passion and fulfilling your new found dreams, and as Rick Warren would say leading a “purpose driven life” embracing M.E.E. —Bron, Contributing Writer THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. To learn more about our story, visit: http://thejazzinmee.com/about-mee

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR M.E.E. SUBSCRIBE: SUBSCRIBE2014.THEJAZZINMEE.COM SHOP: SHOP.THEJAZZINMEE.COM JOIN: FACEBOOKGROUP.THEJAZZINMEE.COM FOLLOW: FACEBOOK.MULTIFACETEDEVENTS.COM TWEET: @MEEEVENTS BROWSE: THEJAZZINMEE.COM VIEW: INSTAGRAM.THEJAZZINMEE.COM

ARE YOU WITH M.E.E. SUBSCRIBE TO M.E.E. Get your print and free digital download today! Offering a VIP special rate of $79.99, reg. $89.00, and, for a limited time only, if you subscribe online, you’ll receive our exclusive rate of $69.99. Our magazine is published quarterly and our journalists and photographers showcase the best that jazz has to offer. THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine currently reaches approximately 35,000180,000 people nationally and internationally through online distribution, promotional events, jazz concerts, jazz festivals, music retailers, jazz clubs, and radio stations.

ADVERTISE WITH M.E.E. Join us! Advertise your business and display your brand to jazz followers across the globe. Let us help you find your target market! This is an excellent opportunity for maximum exposure to artists, musicians, festivals, radio, internet stations, jazz business supporters and enthusiasts within the jazz community. Let us promote your brand, festival, or event with an effective targeted marketing campaign.

LET M.E.E. BLAST YOU Our email blast service affords you the luxury of having leads, new clients and fans driven directly to you. We can e-blast your brand, event, product or service directly to our active M.E.E. network subscribers.

LET M.E.E. PROMOTE YOU Our artist promotion packages range from 15, 30, 60, and 90 day plans. We also build social networking and marketing campaigns.

LET M.E.E. SHAPE YOUR IMAGE Through EPK, press releases, and targeted photo shoots, our job is to continually generate positive publicity all while developing a strategic marketing plan.

PARTNER WITH M.E.E. Partner with us and let M.E.E. bring the jazz enthusiasts to your destination. Whether it’s a festival, cruise, or event, let M.E.E. assist you in adding a fun, engaging and informative jazz crowd through an effective targeted marketing campaign.

HELP M.E.E. SUPPORT GLAM Join us in supporting Girls & Guys Love Arts and Music (GLAM). GLAM is a non-profit organization striving to advance education and exposure to these innovative art forms, promote musical and artistic performances, sculpt new audiences and develop a new fan base.

Take advantage of our services and opportunities. Email us at info@thejazzinmee, give us a call at 281-260-8469, or visit our website at www.jazzinmee.com.

WWW.THEJAZZINMEE.COM 5

to see more

SUBSCRIBE NOW get your digital or print subscription today!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE

subscribe2014.thejazzinmee.com

Choose: Subscription Digital Subscription or just order a copy