Category: music

Jazz Vocalist Jackie Ryan releases a collection of love songs

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 6, 2010

Jazz vocalist Jackie Ryan will release a collection of 15 love songs in time for Valentine’s Day, according to a news release. Proceeds from the compact disc “Best of Love Songs” will go to Oxfam for ongoing Haiti Relief fund.
Ryan is best known as a “musician’s singer.” She has performed, recorded, or toured with Clark Terry, Toots Thielemans, Barry Harris, Cyrus Chestnut, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, Red Holloway, Eric Alexander, Jeremy Pelt, Ernie Watts, Benny Green, Tamir Hendelman, Jeff Hamilton, Amina Figarova, Mike Wofford, Jon Mayer, Larry Vuckovich, and Jon Hendricks.
Ryan’s 2009 release “DOOZY” was the third most played jazz CD on radio for the entire year, finished at #3 on JazzWeek‘s Top 100 CDs of 2009, received four-star reviews from both “DownBeat” and “All Music Guide,” and sat atop many critics’ end of year lists. Jackie was one of 5 vocalists voted by critics to make “JazzTimes‘” “Top 50 CDs of the Year.”
Selected from three recordings released from 2002 to 2006, “Best of Love Songs” reflects Ryan’s myriad of musical talent. Joining Ryan on the project is legendary two-time Grammy-Award nominees Ernie Watts and Red Holloway, backed by Jon Mayer, Tamir Hendelman, Larry Vuckovich, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff Chambers and others.

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“From The Tulsa Sound to the British Invasion” on Feb. 5 and 6 at Jazz Depot

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 3, 2010

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, in collaboration with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, presents “From The Tulsa Sound to the British Invasion” at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level), in Tulsa, OK.
There will be live cabaret entertainment highlighting music from the Tulsa Sound to the music of the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Groups performing include the Jambalaya Jass Band, vocalist Jack Brady, Brady Orchestra with Tulsa Symphony Orchestra strings and horns.
The Friday night show includes drinks and a buffet, catered by Just Catering by Orr. Tickets for this event are $85.
The Saturday night show has the same great music, but with drinks and a buffet available at an additional cost. Tickets for Saturday are $25 per person.
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee John Wooley will emcee both evenings.
To purchase tickets, call (918) 584-3615 or go to myticketoffice.com.

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Brown Sisters named Best Gospel Entertainer of Year at Chicago Music Awards

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 3, 2010

Gospel group The Brown Sisters (consisting of Vanessa, Phyllis, Lavette,
Adrienne & Andrea Brown) continue to win new fans and accolades with their debut CD “The Brown Sisters Live in Chicago” on Kingdom Records. According to a news release, the group recently won Best Gospel Entertainer of the Year and Best Gospel Album of the Year Awards at the 29th Annual Chicago Music Awards (CMA) that took place at the Windy City’s Alhambra Palace.

Other winners included Jennifer Hudson, Jeremih, R. Kelly, jazz great Ramsey Lewis, rapper Common, classic soul legends The Chi-Lites, blues star Buddy Guy and rock band Smashing Pumpkins.

The Brown Sisters have developed a sterling reputation in the Chicago for their riveting gospel stage performances that date back to the early 1990s. They have appeared onstage with stellar acts as Aretha Franklin, Bobby McFerrin and Mavis Staples, among others. They have performed in Europe for a decade (and recorded
a successful traditional gospel CD of hymns and church standards for the European market) and have appeared at the prestigious Montreux Jazz and New Orleans Jazz Festivals. They also spent a decade as the house background vocal group for the nationally syndicated “Testify” television program.

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Gospel artist Marvin Winans wins GMC award for Best Video of 2009

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 1, 2010

Marvin Winans Jr. has won a Gospel Music Channel Music Video Award as Best Soul Video of 2009 for the concept clip of his radio hit “You Never Let Me Down” from his latest CD “Image of a Man.” Thousands of fans voted in a
people’s choice sort of procedure where the fans decided the winner.
Other nominees included other Christian artists such as Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin to Skillet and tobyMac.
Rodney Jerkins (Brandy, Jennifer Lopez, Backstreet Boys) produced the Caribbean-styled radio single “You Never Let Me Down.”
“It’s the joy you feel when you know that you have someone with you that will never fail you, never let you fall, never let you down,” Winans said in a news release.

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Celebs, politicians, clergy join forces with others for “Chicago’s Hope for Haiti”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 1, 2010

Some of Chicago most renowned music artists, politicians and clergy will join forces to raise funds for three nonprofit organizations in Haiti.
“Chicago’s Hope for Haiti” will feature Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Illinois State Sen. the Rev. James T. Meeks and representatives from the hip-hop, poetry, gospel, jazz and R&B music communities. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at The House of Hope, 752 E. 114th Street in Chicago. Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, is spearheading this effort and has enlisted Grammy-winning recording artist/producer Donald Lawrence to organize the music for the “Chicago’s Hope for Haiti” benefit concert.
“I woke up early Tuesday morning and said to myself, I’ve heard what the NFL, the NBA and what the government is doing for Haiti but I haven’t heard anything about what the church community is doing.” Jenkins said in a news release. “I saw the need to have every part of the Chicago community come together for this tragedy.”
“Chicago’s Hope for Haiti” will be aired live on WJYS. The confirmed talent includes actor/rapper Common on behalf of the Common Ground Foundation, Grammy winner Donald Lawrence and Co., the legendary Shirley Caesar, platinum recording artist Marvin Sapp, Urban AC artist Lalah Hathaway, Comedian George Wilborn, Karen Clark Sheard, poet J. Ivy, Tarrey Torae, jazz saxophonist Steve Cole, gospel artist John P. Kee, and BET TV personality Dr. Bobby Jones.
The proceeds will benefit Yele Haiti (www.yele.org), Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org) and Hospitals for Humanity (www.hospitalsforhumanity.org). All organizations are currently on the ground in Haiti, providing immediate relief (ranging from food and water to medical care) to earthquake survivors.

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Drummer Cindy Blackman steps into “Another Lifetime” on Feb. 23

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 30, 2010

World renowned drummer Cindy Blackman pays tribute to mentor Tony Williams in her upcoming February 23 release “Another Lifetime.”
Williams was the “spark” that dazzled the sets behind the late jazz maestro Miles Davis’ ’60s quintet. Considered one of the greatest jazz fusion drummers of all time, Williams died at age 51. Blackman, known as one of contemporary music’s most creative drummers, is a witness to Williams’ collective talents. “Another Lifetime” is a compilation of Williams’ songs from his seminal group Lifetime, which he helmed from 1969-1976. Blackman is a top-drawer jazz drummer whose resume includes a lengthy association with rocker Lenny Kravitz (1993-2004, 2005-2007).
“It’s true that this album celebrates him, but really this is only a documentation of the recording sessions that make up ‘Another Lifetime,’” said Blackman in a news release. “Tony’s impact was so great on me that I celebrate him every day of my life. Every time I think about music, I celebrate Tony because I celebrate that level of virtuosity. I’m here to let it be known what that man created and how in his drumming he carried the entire history of all the great jazz drummers. He was an incredibly schooled drummer who set up the direction for me. When I first heard him, I knew that’s how I wanted it to go for me. I remember thinking I’ve got to get to that. Celebrating Tony is not just one day or one album, but it’s a way of living, a way of being-creative, spontaneous, thoughtful and diligent in pushing the envelope.”
Accompanying Blackman are four different teams of collaborators. The first support group comprises guitarist Mike Stern, organist Doug Carne and bassist Benny Reitvald, who appear on seven of the 11 tracks. On two tunes, there is guitarist Fionn O Lochlainn and organist Carlton Holmes; while the final track on “Another Lifetime,” “Wildlife,” features guitarist Vernon Reid, keyboardist Patrice Rushen and bassist David Santos. There’s also a guest appearance by saxophonist Joe Lovano in Blackman’s duo rendition of “Love Song,” one of the CD highlights.

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Westside Community Center presents “All That Jazz” on Feb. 20 in Bartlesville

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 28, 2010

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee and Tulsa saxophonist Grady Nichols will perform at the Westside Community Center’s annual fundraiser “All That Jazz” at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Hillcrest County Club, 1901 Price Road in Bartlesville, OK. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner.
Nichols, best known for several CD releases including “Sophistication” and “Take Me with You,” presents a kaleidoscope of smooth jazz, pop, adult contemporary and even a dance mix. “My influences are so varied and I try to reflect that in my music,” Nichols said. “As I’ve matured as a songwriter, that growth has allowed me to infuse more of myself into each record. Using this mixture of flavors has helped me to create a sound with widespread audience appeal. As a result, you’ll see people of all ages at my shows.”
Nichols has collaborated with notable artists such as Grammy nominated producer and keyboardist Jeff Lorber, trumpeter Chris Botti, guitarist Paul Pesco, the late bass guitarist Wayman Tisdale, producer Zac Maloy and Grammy nominated songwriter Toni Estes.
“All That Jazz” features Cajun-style cuisine and opening entertainment by the Bartlesville High School Jazz Band. A cash-bar is available, and door prizes (1 ticket per admission) will be given away.
Tickets are $100 and must be purchased in advance by calling the Westside Community Center at (918) 336-6760. Proceeds from “All That Jazz” benefit local community programs at the Westside Community Center, a United Way agency since 1951.

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New Concert Date: Pam Crosby swings the classics at the Jazz Depot on March 28

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 27, 2010

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Pam Crosby will be singing well-known standards from the 1920s to the 1990s at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Jazz Hall, 111 E 1st St. (upper level) in Tulsa, OK.
Crosby, who is considered one of Tulsa’s music treasures, will present special musical arrangements in her own swinging style. She will be accompanied by a trio of top-notch jazz musicians – pianist Scott McQuade, bassist Bill Crosby and drummer Anthony Yohe.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, college students and Jazz Hall members, and $5 for students. Attendees may also reserve a seat for $20 per person at one of the front tables. For tickets or more information, call Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 281-8600 or go online to okjazz.org. Gift shop and concessions are available. All major credit cards are accepted.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to weather conditions, concert has been postponed to March 28.

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Songwriter Derrick Stark receives BMI award for most performed gospel song of year

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 26, 2010

Photo caption: BMI Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Wardell Malloy; BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton; 2010 Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year writer Derrick Starks; 2010 Trailblazers honoree Donnie McClurkin; co-host Yolanda Adams; and BMI President & CEO Del Bryant. (Photo by Arnold Turner).

According to a news release, veteran songwriter Derrick Starks, who resides in Atlanta, was recently honored by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), the performing rights organization, at their 11th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon in Nashville, TN.
BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations joined Grammy winner Dorinda Clark Cole to present Starks with the BMI Award for the Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year for composing Dorinda Clark Cole’s smash hit “Take It Back.” The song reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and #17 on its Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles charts in 2008 and remains a popular recurrent.
A gifted organist/keyboard player, Starks founded the contemporary gospel ensemble Today’s Generation in 1991. His group has backed such artists as John Tesh and Shirley Caesar. Starks and his group released best-selling gospel CDs such as “Derrick Starks and Today’s Generation” (1994), “He’s On Time” (1999) and “Sacrifice” (2001). His 2001 remake of the Commodores’ classic “Jesus is Love” proved to be a major hit for Starks as well.
Currently the music director for the Trumpet Awards on the TBS television network, Starks is also a gifted songwriter. He’s written Dorinda Clark Cole’s big hit “So Many Times,” “Been Good to Me” for The Mighty Clouds of Joy, “I Am Yours” for Dorothy Norwood and “Let the Healing Begin” for Bishop Paul S. Morton, among others.

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Annie Ellicott and Nathan Fifield to open jazz concert series in Tulsa

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 23, 2010

Tulsa jazz singer Annie Ellicott and composer/pianist Nathan Fifield opens the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s concert series on Sunday, Jan. 24. The duo will present songs from their new CD release “Something Tells Me,” a compilation of music composed by Joseph and Nathan Fifield, two brothers who grew up in Idaho and later lived together in New York City. Joseph died tragically in 2006 in the Utah Mountains at age 27.

The performance is at 5 p.m. at the Jazz Depot, First and Cincinnati (upper level). Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors, college students and Jazz Hall members; $5 for youth over 12 years old. For tickets, contact the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 281-8600 or purchase online at myticketoffice.com.