Author: mitchmuse

Global communicator, Journalism, Entrepreneur, Web editor, Blogger, Freelance writer, Jazz enthusiast

Drummer Ralph Peterson set to release album Outer Reaches on April 5

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date March 1, 2011

Outer Reaches, drummer Ralph Peterson‘s 15th album as a leader overall, is also the inaugural release on his Onyx Music label and will be available on April 5, 2011.
The composer-bandleader and talent scout extraordinaire Ralph Peterson has carried on in the tradition of his mentor and idol Art Blakey, who was renowned for his hard-driving approach to the kit and his uncanny knack for discovering new talent. Similarly, Peterson helped launch the careers of several promising young players in his various bands over the years, including trumpeters Sean Jones and Jeremy Pelt, saxophonists Steve Wilson, Ralph Bowen and Tia Fuller, vibist Bryan Carrot and pianist Orrin Evans. With his Unity Project, Peterson adds three new names to the list – trumpeter Josh Evans, tenor saxophonist Jovan Alexandre and Hammond B-3 organist Pat Bianchi. Together with their fearless leader, they collectively push the envelope to extremes on Outer Reaches, an exhilarating homage to Larry Young’s classic 1965 Blue Note recording Unity.
“This is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” says Peterson in a news release of his new Unity Project release. “It was another goal realized, and now we’re trying to wake everybody up to the good news about it as I plot the next move.”
A respected educator who is a professor at the Berklee College of Music, Peterson’s protégés include such potent new drummers on the New York scene as Ari Hoenig, E.J. Strickland, Justin Faulkner, Rodney Green, Vince Ector, Jonathan Blake, Dion Parsons and Mark Whitfield Jr. He is also a clinician and endorser for Mapex Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Axis Pedals as well as Bosphorus Cymbals, where he designed their newest cymbal line aptly called The Oracle.

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Grammy Award nominee Kirk Whalum, others to perform at “It Started With a Dream Benefit” on Feb. 13, 2011

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 13, 2011

According to a recent news release, the Dream Center, twelve-time Grammy Award Nominee Kirk Whalum and Victory University are hosting “It Started With a Dream” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (It will be noon Central Time) on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at Angelus Temple, 1100 Glendale Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. In celebration of this year’s Gospel GRAMMY® Nominees, the event is a pre-awards ceremony, concert and service honoring the nominees and benefiting The Dream Center’s Project Hope. “It Started With a Dream” will feature live performances by Grammy nominees Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Forever Jones, Gungor, Israel Houghton Lecrae, VaShawn Mitchell, Karen Peck and New River, Lalah Hathaway and Kirk Whalum with special guest George Duke.
The event is free and open to all that can attend. The concert’s stellar performances will be streamed live on the web at DreamCenterLive.com inviting the entire world to view for $4.99 for a limited time after airing with proceeds benefiting Project Hope.
The vision of Project Hope is to provide a restoration home for immediate care to those rescued from human trafficking; rebuild one’s physical, mental and spiritual wholeness; and prepare individuals toward returning to society. Project Hope exists for the purpose of helping the lives of individuals who have fallen victim to human trafficking. This home offers a safe place to rebuild lives based on biblical principles. The home will focus on the specific needs for each individual.

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Carl V. Moore Trio featured in Black Liberated Arts Center Inc.’s Soul Food Dinner Theater on February 26 in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 10, 2011

Carl V. Moore, pianist and composer

According to a recent news release, The Carl V. Moore Trio will perform in the upcoming Soul Food Dinner Theater on February 26, 2011, at the Petroleum Club, 34th floor, 100 N. Broadway in Oklahoma City. An all-you-can-eat soul food buffet begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.

The Carl V. Moore Trio consists of bassist Mike McKinney, drummer Quentin Hicks and pianist and composer Carl V. Moore. McKinney, an Oklahoma native who has toured and recorded with greats such as the Jacksons, Ray Charles and Ronnie Laws, was scheduled to play with Michael Jackson during his world tour before his untimely death. He is the son of the well-known late June McKinney and husband Temple McKinney. Hicks, an acclaimed producer of such hits as “Let the Music Play” will thrill audiences as he adds his drumming skills to the trio. Moore, whose credits include recording with the Rev. James Cleveland on the Grammy nominated, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired,” and performing backup vocals for Janet Jackson, Paul Jackson Sr., Chuck Berry and the band Rufus. The Carl V. Moore Trio is set to release its first single on GJN Records this year.

Tickets are on sale for $55 and may be purchased at Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, Hopkins Haircare, KM66, and Learning Tree Toys and Books or through BLAC Inc. using VISA, MasterCard, check or cash. For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800. This concert is generously funded in part by the Ad Astra Foundation and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

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Coming Up: Livestream with author Gabe Lyons on Feb. 17th @ 2pm ET.

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 10, 2011

Check out author Gabe Lyons on Feb. 17th @ 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CST). The event will be moderated by Tim Keller, and Gabe will be answering questions about his new book – The Next Christians.

Watch live streaming video from waterbrookmultnomah at livestream.com

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GNOTE to headline 9th annual All That Jazz Fundraiser on Feb. 19 in Bartlesville

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 25, 2011

GNOTE (from left): George Allen, Annette Peters and Toby Denton

GNOTE, a high energy trio that specializes in music from the 50s through today’s hits, will headline the 9th annual All That Jazz Fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at the Hillcrest Country Club, 1901 Price Road in Bartlesville, OK. Attendees will enjoy a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and music by the Bartlesville High School Jazz Band at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:45 p.m. and music by GNOTE from about 8:15-11:15 p.m. For ticket information, call (918) 336-6760.
GNOTE, consisting of group members George Allen, Annette Peters and Toby Denton, covers genres from R&B to country to rock-‘n’-roll to jazz as well as blues. Oklahoma Magazine selected the group as one of the Who’s Who of Oklahoma Entertainment in 2005.
All That Jazz is a fundraiser that supports the programs of the Westside Community Center (WCC) in Bartlesville. The Westside Community Center, founded in 1950 as a center for the black community, has enriched the lives of Bartlesville residents through the encouragement of self-motivation and self-reliance. The Westside Community Center also provides vital services and meets many needs that aren’t addressed by other local organizations. Although the center primarily serves minorities, low-income families, senior citizens and children who reside in the western sector of Bartlesville, membership is open to anyone who wishes to join and benefit from WCC programs.

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Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church recording debuts at #7 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 25, 2011

Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. and co-Pastor Susie C. Owens, founders and pastors of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, celebrate the Greater Mount Calvary Recording Choir and Calvary Records’ new CD, Greater Mount Calvary LIVE As Told By The Music Ministry, for debuting at #7 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart in its first week sales. “I believe it’s truly a testament to the vision of the church and will give people another chance to experience Calvary,” Bishop Owens said in a recent news release.

This is the first time that Calvary Records and its Choir have landed on a Billboard chart. However, its music ministry is no stranger to the spotlight. The music department produced the Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor ensemble that won Verizon’s “How Sweet The Sound” Regional (Washington, D.C.) and National VCast People’s Choice Awards gospel choir competition in 2010. Stellar Award winner Maurette Brown-Clark, Courtney Nero, and Grammy-Award winner Steve Lawrence (Bishop T.D. Jakes & The Potter’s House Mass Choir) all hailed from Calvary’s music department.

Greater Mount Calvary LIVE As Told By The Music Ministry is a power-packed, 17-song live set that gives its listeners a front row seat to experience the Pentecostal fervor of a Sunday morning service at the 3,000 member Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church that was founded in 1976. The album was produced by Grammy Award winner Steven Ford who has also produced other artists such as Vickie Winans, Tye Tribbett and Richard Smallwood.

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Mitch’s Reflection: A Basic Act of Worship in a Season of Change

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 20, 2011

Sometimes seasons in life can be difficult and trying. But in the end, those trials give away to renewal and positive results. In my quiet time, I stumbled across this prayer this today from the book “31 Days of Prayer: Enjoying God Anew” by Ruth and Warren Myers, and it truly blessed me. It’s empowering to find the right words for such a time as time. I pray that it blesses you as well.

Your Most Basic Act of Worship

“Lord, I’m Yours. Whatever the cost may be, may Your will be done in my life. I realize I am not here on earth to do my own thing, or to seek my own fulfillment or my own glory. I’m not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people, to be popular, to prove I’m somebody important, or to promote myself. I’m not even here to be relevant or successful by human standards. I’m here to please You.
I offer myself to You, for You are worthy. All that I am or hope to be, I owe to You. I’m Yours by creation, and every day I receive from You life and breath and all things. And I’m Yours because You brought me, and the price You paid was the precious blood of Christ. You alone, the Triune God, are worthy to be my Lord and Master. I yield to You, my gracious, and glorious heavenly Father; to the Lord Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me; to the Holy Spirit and His gracious influence and empowering.
All that I am and all that I have I give to You.
I give You any rebellion in me, that resists doing Your will. I give You my pride and self-dependence, that tell me I can do Your will in my own power if I try hard enough. I give You my fears, that tell me I’ll never be able to do Your will in some areas of life. I consent to let You energize me … to create within me, moment by moment, both the desire and the power to do Your will.
I give You my body and each of its members … my entire inner being: my mind, my emotional life, my will … my loved ones … my marriage (or my hopes for marriage) … my abilities and gifts … my strengths and weaknesses … my health … my status (high or low) … my possessions … my past, my present and my future … when and how I’ll go Home.
I’m here to love You, to obey You, to glorify You. O my Beloved, my I be a joy to You!”

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Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame kicks off 2011 concert series on Sunday, Jan. 16

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 14, 2011

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK, is pleased to start the new year with pianist & vocalist Justin Echols. Mr. Echols will kick-off the series with his show: “An Evening of Romance” performing some of his favorite jazz love songs. Doors open at 4 p.m., and showtime is 5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and college students; and $5 for high school students and younger; and children under age 12 is free. Attendees may also reserve a front-row table seat for $20 per person. For tickets or more information, call (918) 281-8600. Concessions and Gift Shop are available. All major credit cards accepted.

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“Kirk Whalum Plays Donnie Hathaway” on January 22 at Soul Food Dinner Theater in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 7, 2011

Kirk Whalum, smooth jazz saxophonist, music educator and songwriter, will perform on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2010, at the Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City, OK. A soul food buffet begins at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.

“It is not everyday that one has an opportunity to have a scrumptious meal and see an 11-time Grammy nominee perform live at the most elegant restaurant in their city,” Anita Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc. said in a news release. Whalum is the opening act of BLAC Inc.’s 2011 season opener.

Whalum, born in Memphis, Tenn., grew up surrounded by music.

“He was the son of a preacher man, Rev. Kenneth Whalum and wife, Helen,” Arnold said. “Memphis was known as the R&B capital of the South during those days.”

In addition to singing in his father’s church choir, Whalum also learned to love music from his grandmother, Thelma Twigg Whalum, a piano teacher and two uncles, Wendell Whalum and Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum, who performed with jazz bands across the country.

These influences proved lasting, as Kirk Whalum once told magazine “Ebony” in a 1994 profile: “The music I like to play and write encompasses the four elements I grew up with: Memphis R&B, gospel, rock and jazz. The emphasis, though, is on melody, period.”

In recent years, Whalum’s musical genius and experiences have led to him obtaining 11 Grammy nominations, becoming chief executive officer of Soulsville Foundation and other honors. The Soulsville Foundation includes oversight responsibility for the STAX Museum of American Soul Music and the Soulsville Charter School of Memphis.

Cost is $70 for the dinner and show. Tickets can be purchased at Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz Rhythm and Blues Store, Hopkins Haircare, KM66, and Learning Tree Toy Store or through BLAC Inc., all in Oklahoma City. For more information, call (405) 524-3800. The Oklahoma Arts Council and the Ad Astra Foundation are sponsors of this event.

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The Yellowjackets mark 30th anniversary with new Mack Records release on March 15

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 6, 2011

The Yellowjackets will release Timeline on March 15 on Mack Records. Spearheaded by keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, The Yellowjackets offer fans its 21st official recording, not including special side projects and guest spots. The band’s background gleams with various honors, including 17 Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards to show for their efforts.

“We get extremely engaged with every project and we try to elevate and open things up,” Haslip said in a news release. That’s always the goal with every project. I’m not saying we always succeed. But the focus is to always try to do something that is hopefully engaging. And being that Russell, myself and the guys in the band have a certain chemistry. It’s not easy to accomplish this after 30 years.”

The band moves forward with a new relationship with respected jazz label Mack Avenue Records, and the first new album with an important alumnus back in the ranks, the dynamic and flexible drummer Will Kennedy. Kennedy, who worked with the group for 10 years and appeared on half its discography to date, returns to the ranks after a dozen years away. He fits seamlessly into the band, alongside Ferrante, Haslip and the multi-talented saxophonist-composer Bob Mintzer, whose critical role in helping define the group’s current sound goes back to 1991.

Timeline is described as characteristically diverse but also cohesive, melodically accessible and also experimental, in keeping with the Jackets’ concept for three decades. Beautiful balladry, such as Ferrante’s “Indivisible” and Mintzer’s “My Soliloquy,” intertwine with modern-day variations on traditional swing themes, on Mintzer’s “Like Elvin” (also one of the songs featuring a new sound for the band, guest trumpeter John Diversa) and Ferrante’s “Numerology.” Kennedy’s one composition, “Rosemary,” explores an inventive rhythmic-melodic feel, with its lyrical balladic melody laying atop an exotic drum groove.