DJ INC & the Soul People

After listening to DJ INC & the Soul People’s song “Bubbs to do List” on Streetwise Radio, I knew I had to hear more. Their sound is pure harmony! The musicianship is fantastic. These Chicagoans with their pulse on a variety of music styles has been doing their thing for over a decade. I like their music because of the jazz, acid jazz, hip hop, house/dance, dancehall, soul, neo soul and Brazilian styles. It makes for an amazing trap sound. While listening to the CD “The Afterset Session, Volume 2,” I knew DJ INC and the Soul People’s songs were going on my playlist. Here are three songs that I like: “Outfit Together,” “Steppers Swagger,” and ‘Bubbs to do List.” Check out DJ INC & the Soul People’s music on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, Athena365, Live365, iTunes, Pandora and Gilroy Radio.

LM

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/djinc3/from/greatindiemusic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbBJAcOlb4E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y5sT5NJr3s

Four PLay

For two decades, the contemporary jazz quartet known as Fourplay has enjoyed consistent artistic and commercial success by grafting elements of R&B, pop and a variety of other sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. In the course of a dozen recordings – six of which have climbed to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album charts – the supergroup has continued to explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience.

The Fourplay story begins in 1990, with keyboardist Bob James, who had already established himself as a formidable figure in keyboard jazz – not just as an instrumentalist but as a composer and arranger as well – with solo recordings dating as far back as the mid 1960s. In 1990, James reunited with his old friend, session drummer, producer, composer & recording artist Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock, Barbra Streisand, Notorious Big), during the recording of James’ Grand Piano Canyon album. Also involved in the project were guitarist Lee Ritenour (Sergio Mendes) and bassist/vocalist Nathan East (Barry White, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins).

The original lineup of James/Ritenour/East/Mason stayed together for three successive albums, including Elixir (1994), a set that features some high-profile guest vocalists: Phil Collins, Patti Austin and Peabo Bryson. East also delivers some noteworthy vocal contributions on Elixir, and has continued to do so throughout most of Fourplay’s subsequent studio outings.

Ritenour, whose guitar work in tandem with James’ keyboards served as the cornerstone of the early Fourplay sound, left the lineup in the mid-1990s. Chuck Loeb made his debut with the quartet on Let’s Touch The Sky, released in October 2010. The album also includes thrilling performances by guest vocalists Anita Baker and Ruben Studdard. The infusion of new blood into the Fourplay lineup created an opportunity to bring an even higher level of energy and inspiration into a band that is already known for taking chances and pushing the limits of contemporary jazz.

The group’s latest recording explores the place where four unique perspectives become a single creative force. That symmetry and creativity are at the heart of Esprit De Four, set for release on September 18, 2012. The CD includes the poignant but hopeful “Put Our Hearts Together,” written by James – with lyrics by his daughter, Hilary James, and vocal featuring Japanese superstar Seiko Matsuda – as a tribute to the victims of the devastating tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.

Sandra Nkake

While listening to Streetwise Radio I heard Sandra Nkake's song “Fairy Tales” and thought who is this singer with this unique voice. This 39 year old singer from Yaounde, Cameroon, is a Soul, Jazz and R&B singer that is truly underrated. Sandra Nkake released her solo album in “Mansaadi” in 2008. The title song from this album is “Mansaadi” has a real funky feel Sandra has a strong voice. I really like her second album “Nothing For Granted” released in 2012. The musicians she has playing  with her are top rate. Some of my favorite songs, that are going on my play list are “Happy”, “Always The Same”, “Show Me The Way”, “Nothing For Granted”, “You'd Better Dance”, “YA Ya Ya” and “A New Shore”. To listen to songs from Sandra Nkake tune into Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Gilroy Radio, Pandora, iTunes, MyGen365, Live365 and Athena365.

LM

http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A//fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Nkak%25C3%25A9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vUj_G3PnD4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgVmDaeGovg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TcVmxS9Ghc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7uhqSBMHQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g44Dfifqpk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO7uhqSBMHQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKUR5EyJpIQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cojZsmLG0v0

Snarky Puppy

DJ Michael Ealey is playing Snarky Puppy on Streetwise Radio. He told me that he would like to see Snarky Puppy at the 56 Annual Monterey Jazz Festival. I've never heard of Snarky Puppy. I thought, that is an unusual name for a band, I had to find out about Snarky Puppy and listen to some of their music. This instrumental fusion band from Denton, Texas is made up of 30 musicians blending their talents as keyboardist, saxophonist, brass players, strings and percussion to pure perfection. Snarky Puppy formed in 2004 and released their debut album “Live at Uncommon Ground” in 2005. Since then they have put out 7 albums. All their albums have a variety of  Jazz Fusion, Nu Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Progressive Rock and Instrumental Rock. I think the leader of Snarky Puppy, Michael League put together an amazing group of musicians. I'm a fan! Here are a few of my favorite songs “Thing of Gold”, “Young Stuff” and “Quarter Master”, You can listen to this amazing group of talented musicians on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Gilroy Radio, MyGen365, Pandora, Athena365, Live365 and iTunes.

LM

McCoy Tyner

Growing up in the 60s and 70s was an amazing era for music. McCoy Tyner has been one of those prolific jazz pianists of our time a true living legend. Listening to his music throughout the years has been memorable. This 74 years young from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania first gained notoriety in 1960 playing with Benny Golson’s band, Golson's and Art Farmer's legendary Jazztet. He also played with other famous musicians like John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Hank Mobley and Stanley Turrentine. If you love piano players McCoy Tyner is one of those musicians that blazes on the keys, he is truly amazing. Some of my favorite songs are “Atlantis”, “Fly With the Wind”, “Passion Dance”, “My Favorite Things” and “Giant Steps”. Tune into Streetwise Radio’s Jazz Café` and listen to tunes from McCoy Tyner, you will be amazed. You can also tune into Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora, MyGen365, Athena365, Live365 and Gilroy Radio.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCoy_Tyner

http://mccoytyner.com/bio.html

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEaZOMmfrvI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZIXDTH-sLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvmJHprG_Fg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIDEGN_vgWQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PukuQPUKfyU&list=RD49QIDEGN_vgWQ

George Duke- January 12, 1946 – August 5, 2013

One of the world greatest Jazz fusion, R&B, funk, alternative rock, rock and roll, jazz pop, post-disco, crossover jazz visionaries has passed. George Duke was battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia. George Duke was an amazing musician he played the piano, synthesizer, Keytar, keyboards, contrabass, trombone and he was also a vocalist. George Duke was born in San Rafael California and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He went to Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley California. He earned bachelor's degree in trombone and composition with a minor in contrabass, from the San Francisco Conservatory in 1967. I grew up on George Duke’s music. I remember seeing George Duke at many venues in the San Francisco Bay Area throughout the years. Every time I saw him, he amazed me. He was the jazziest funkiest musician of our time. Here are some of my favorite songs of George Duke’s, “No Rhyme No Reason”, “Dukey Stick”, “The Way I Feel”, “Old Slippers”, "6 O'Clock", “Morning Sun”, “Feel”, “Sweet Baby” and “Reach For It” to name a few. R.I.P. Mr. Duke you will be missed but your gift lives on through your music forever! Tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to songs from George Duke. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Athena365, MyGen365, iTunes, Live365 and Pandora.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Duke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwFSbFRuYdk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLicoZ8v3pA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBgHm3xeZkg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRPzVw_2c_g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcADIW0dbeg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQDj95PtDbg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4kKqW1fKv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZkV-Sp3In8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P2a9YL1aeU

Frank McComb

Ok, how come I’ve never heard of this amazing singer-songwriter and keyboardist from Cleveland Ohio? It baffles me that someone this remarkable is not being played on the on-air radio stations. Frank McComb reminds me of a mixture of three of my all-time favorite artists Stevie Wonder, Fred Hammond and the late Donny Hathaway. In February 1983 Frank’s aunt began teaching him piano at their family church. That’s when his singing career started. Frank played with the 90’s group The Rude Boys and was musical director. Frank also toured with some of my favorite artist like Teena Marie, Philip Bailey and Branford Marsalis. He is not only a fantastic singer he also writes amazing songs. Some of my favorites are “Love Natural”, “Better Off Without You”, “If this is love 2000”, “Wasting your time”, “Do You Remember Love”, “Never Letting Go”, “Another day” and “Future Love”. I am hooked on this 43 year old R&B, smooth jazz singer with amazing vocals and song writing skills. Keep giving the world such beautiful music Frank McComb you have a fan for life. Tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to songs from Frank McComb you will become a fan. Also you can listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, MyGen365, Live365 and Athena365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_McComb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKFY-FV3PF0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ygnjisgkA&list=PL2899EEB826AFC3D8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lneaY0GcZw&list=PL2899EEB826AFC3D8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoqGz2QMXi0&list=PL2899EEB826AFC3D8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxF5p0wq99I&list=PL2899EEB826AFC3D8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=173AcHg1XtU&list=PL2899EEB826AFC3D8&index=22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq1SFh4Yevg&list=PL2899EEB826AFC3D8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltn0vfTdbow

Coen Bais

The mid 1990’s was an excellent era for smooth jazz music. There were a lot of artists and musicians who didn’t get the consideration and publicity to show case their talent. Coen Bais happened to be one of those artists. This jazz piano player from the Netherlands blends smooth jazz with new age and contemporary sounds. Streetwise Radio is playing Coen Bais song “On My Way To You”. I can listen to this song while kicking back on a Saturday afternoon. Some of my favorite songs are “On My Way To You”, “A Touch Of Magic”, “Broken Promise”, “Story of Parabrahma” and “Socu”. Check out this artist on Streetwise Radio, I think you will enjoy him. Also tune into Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, Athena365, MyGen365 and Live365.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Coen+Bais/+wiki

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw1G7Yswy-Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zueZfudc2IU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6UDOYqxCP0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f7HNZK2QLs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTo18FHIx30

R.Stewart & Marcus Printup

Robert Stewart and Marcus Printup: A Dialogue Between Two Jazz Greats

By Shelah Moody

Have you ever wondered what jazz musicians are thinking about when playing together onstage, when the fluid, melliferous and serpentine improvisations of the regal saxophone interact with the fiery declarations, squeaks and wa-wa’s of the mighty trumpet? Indeed, it sounds like an intelligent conversation between two kindred spirits.

This insightful dialogue between saxophonist Robert Stewart and trumpeter Marcus Printup took place after the two musicians played together with trumpet icon Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in the Bay Area this spring. Stewart and Printup had not seen each other in five years.

Robert Stewart

One of the most accomplished and original saxophonists of his time, Stewart, who was born and raised in Oakland, CA and currently lives in SF, began playing music at age 17. Stewart is a completely self- taught musician as well as a devout Muslim. He was dubbed “The Reverend” by his Wynton Marsalis, who recruited him to perform with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Stewart performs with Marsalis and LCJO on the Columbia/Sony recordings: “They Came to Swing” and the Pulitzer Prize winning oratorio “Blood on the Fields.” In the Bay Area, Stewart has performed with his own band at venues such as Yoshi’s, Pier 23 and Rassela’s in San Francisco. Stewart’s solo albums include “Heaven and Earth,” “The Movement,” “Nat the Cat,” “The Force,” “In the Gutta,” “Soft Ballads” and “Judgment.” www.therobertstewartexperience.com,

Marcus Printup

Born and raised in Conytheers, GA, Marcus Printup is one of the most accomplished trumpeters of his time. Printup, whose music was partly influenced by his southern Baptist church experience, attended the University of North Florida on a music scholarship and went on to win the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet Competition. Printup has been touring and recording with Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra since 1993; and like Stewart, he played on “Blood on the Fields,” which explores the legacy of slavery in America. Printup’s solo albums include “Song for Beautiful Woman,” “Unveiled,” “Hub Songs,” “Nocturnal Traces,” “The New Boogaloo,” “Peace In The Abstract,” “Bird of Paradise,” “London Lullaby,”
Ballads All Night,” “ A Time for Love” “Homage.” www.marcusprintup.net

Marcus Printup: Reverend! Man, it did my soul good to see/hear you tonight with Wynton Marsalis. It is indeed a blessing!

Robert Stewart: I felt the same regarding yourself, my blessed

brother! No trumpet player of our generation plays with such unmitigated

soul / force. You are my favorite, indeed!

Marcus Printup: I have to thank you. I listened to the CD you gave me tonight of us playing together back in the 90's. Hearing that recording reminded me of who I am,

musically. That has escaped me through the years. I hear veracity

in my sound that isn't there anymore. I still have it inside but I have to

find it again. Hearing us play back then is the first step.

Robert Stewart: That was a spiritual day. The living force was

upon us, indeed. I'm overjoyed that someone elected to record / document our

musical excursions that evening. Your soul-force remains within

you. Your dilemma lies in performing ORCHESTRATED music (READING)

on gigs all night. This HINDERS your ability to completely release your individuality.

It's impossible to completely delve into your soul, when you have to be overly concerned about an upcoming written section that you must hurry back to play. This is the reason

John Coltrane elected to play avant-garde or completely free music by

the end of his life; he had an epiphany. Consequently, Trane agrees with my

stance wholeheartedly.

Marcus Printup: When I said you have "God" in your sound, I really meant it. I'm

listening to the way I'm playing alongside you and I hear it in my sound too.

I need more of that! I feel like something just woke up inside me that

has been dormant for years. THANK YOU BROTHER!

Robert Stewart: You echo my sentiments precisely, my beloved

brother! You are of a rare breed, indeed! Al-Hamdulillah! (Praise is due

to Allah / God).

Marcus Printup: Man, before I die I want to do another one with you. Let's make it

happen. You inspire me brother. PEACE!

Robert Stewart: In Sha llah (God Willing), we will perform

together again. You are the only trumpet player of our generation that I

would want to record with. Your sound is unrelentingly UNIQUE. You

have been truly blessed by the Lord of the Worlds. Ma Sha llah! (It is the

will of Allah - God). Stay strong & may the force be with you.

Follow Robert Stewart and Marcus Printup on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/therobertstewartexperience?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcus-Printup/362564883813924?fref=ts

Follow Jazz at Lincoln Center:

www.jalc.org

On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jazzatlincolncenter?fref=ts

Butterscotch

 

DJ Michael of Streetwise Radio found another fantastic underrated artist he is playing by the stage name of Butterscotch. Butterscotch is amazing! This 27 year old talent from Sacramento California has a gift. She’s a musician who beat-boxes, sings and plays several instruments including the piano, flute, saxophone, bass and guitar. Butterscotch was a finalist on “America Got Talent” in 2007 and won both the first International World Female Beat box Champion and the West Coast Beat box Champion for both genders. Some of her musical influences are Frederic Chopin, John Coltrane and Stevie Wonder. Yes, Butterscotch is a jazz, classical, hip hop and R&B artist not to be under estimated. Butterscotch has mad skills. Her style is unique. I can see her doing great things in the music industry. Some songs I added to my playlist are “Perfect Harmony”, "Hypnotize Me", "Obsession" "Silver Lining", "Don't Worry" and “Summertime”. Listen to songs from Butterscotch on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, Athena365, Live365 and MyGen365.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterscotch_(performer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_x6zwmLIuo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBH8RDayGRI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HwAqTUqGKM

Philip Brooks

This smooth playing jazz pianist is so relaxing, he puts you in a peaceful mood. Phillip Brooks, keyboardist and producer is a Detroit native.He was writing jazzy songs at the age of nine years old. In his teens Philip was performing and recording with Gospel singer Thomas Whitfield from Detroit MI. This led him to also record with Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Rev. Paul Morton, The Soul Children, out of Chicago IL, and many others. Philip Brooks also played with artists like Anita Barker, Mary J Blidge and the late Wayman Tisdale. I really like his playing. I’m glad he came from behind the scene.  Some of my favorite songs are “Ocean View”, “I Thought About You”, “Summer Winds” and “The Anointing”. To listen to this underrated amazing artist tune into Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on  iTunes, MyGen365, Athena365 and Live365.Pandora.

LM

http://www.jazzreview.com/index.php/resources/press-releases/item/11294-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4kkL32OYLc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7ZlzUyKuR8

Joyce Cooling

I remember seeing Joyce Cooling in 1988 in San Francisco when she was playing with the band Viva Brasil. I thought Joyce had unlimited talent back then, she was amazing. Joyce taught herself to play the guitar by ear. When a musician can do that they have a gift. Joyce was raised in New York, but lives in San Francisco. Joyce Cooling had some chart topping hits throughout her career that included "South of Market", "After Hours", "Imagine That", "Callie", "Expression", "Mildred’s Attraction", "At the Modern", "Cool of the Night" and "Mm Mm Good" I like everyone of theses tunes. Yes! This guitarist with a blues, rock and Brazilian grooves landed herself some awards and nominations during her career, the Gibson Guitar Award for Best Jazz Guitarist of the Year, Oasis Award nomination for Best Female Artist of the Year, California Music Awards for Best Jazz Artist, Smooth Jazz Awards for Best Female Artist of the Year and Smooth Jazz Awards Best Guitarist of the Year. Joyce Cooling is a talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. If you ever get a chance to see her playing in the San Francisco area you won’t be disappointed. Tune into Streetwise Radio and listen to tunes from this cool jazz guitarist Joyce Cooling. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, Live365, Athena365, iTunes and Live365.

LM

http://www.joycecooling.com/whats-new.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG-6hBncLR8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUDT0ubcTAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T78X-_rPLmM

Gary Fuston

Two words to describe Gary Fuston’s sound melodic and unique. What I like about Gary’s guitar playing, he keeps it simple. Gary has cool melodies that are influenced by R&B, Hip Hop, and Jazz. His catching grooves are what you hear when you listen to of Gary’s music. Gary Fuston is based out of the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area. He is a multi-talented artist that is a music composer producer, internet radio DJ host and music promoter. Some of my favorite tunes are “To Know You”, “Tears Away”, “Smooth Cruise”, and “On the Radio”. Gary Fuston is so underrated. I’m so glad DJ Michael Ealey turned me on to this remarkable artist. He is definitely going on my playlist. Tune into Streetwise Radio Jazz Café and listen to Gary Fuston’s music. You Can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, iTunes, Athena365, Live365 and Pandora.

LM

http://www.reverbnation.com/garyfuston#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI5Ii8PDRiY&list=PLBBC41B40047C8B73

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1aUppuiJGE&list=PLBBC41B40047C8B73

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0cPAvKB9mA&list=PLBBC41B40047C8B73

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1RvgtR0cko&list=PLBBC41B40047C8B73

Greg Howe

DJ Michael Ealey of Streetwise Radio is playing jazz fusion, instrumental rock and hard rock guitarist Greg Howe. Being a musician’s wife, I have heard some amazing underrated artist over the years. Greg Howe is one talented musician’s that has been around for over thirty years. While writing this and listen to his music, Greg Howe has remarkable talent and versatility that makes is guitar playing superb. Greg Howe was born on the east coast, New York, New York. Now he resides in Long Beach, California. Greg Howe began playing the club scene in 1980’s in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey with his brother Albert. Greg Howe went solo in 1987 and released his self-titled debut album in 1988. He hit it out the park it was his biggest selling album because it was popular during the shred era. During his career he has put out 9 albums and in 2013 he is coming out with a self-titled studio album. Greg Howe’s versatility has enabled him to play with a diversity of our artists. The late great Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Lady Antebellum, P Diddy, T-Pain, Enrique Iglesias, Salt-n-Pepa and Justin Timberlake to name a few. Some of my favorite songs of Greg Howe’s are ‘Punk Jazz’, ‘Jammin' on Sunny’, ‘Come And Get It’, ‘Garden of Harmony’ and ‘Song for Rachelle’. You can listen to this amazing artist on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora, MyGen365, Athena365 and Live365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Howe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUq_WfSabzU&list=AL94UKMTqg-9APArsFYNON8LZR6uPta2UH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edVbz_uXJd0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX9FEjjsPLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qJ_3R_O4I4

BLACK HISTORY EXCLUSIVE:

DIONNE FARRIS AND THE RUSSELL GUNN QUARTET BRING JAZZ, FUNK, CONSCIOUS HIP HOP TO YOSHI’S SAN FRANCISCO, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27

Who: Dionne Farris & the Russell Gunn Quartet

When: 8 p.m., Wednesday Feb. 27^th,

Where: Yoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA

Info: http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco

Dionne Farris has performed and recorded the likes of hip-hop, pop, soul, gospel, and modern R&B and now adds jazz to her repertoire. Born in the land of the funk, (Plainfield, New Jersey), she grew up listening to everything from P-Funk to the song styling’s of the great jazz singers, (the latter influenced by her maternal grandparents), and with all that stirring inside, it was bound to show up at some point in her musical DNA.

A certified member of the hip-hop generation by age and geography (the hardcore ghetto of East St. Louis), Russell Gunn’s early aspirations in the world of rap music took precedence over the trumpet that he began playing in fourth grade. When he reached sixteen, the deadline he set for his hip-hop career to take off, his dedication to the art of jazz took shape.

When GRAMMY®-winning vocalist Dionne Farris and GRAMMY®-nominated trumpeter Russell Gunn, took the stage at the Atlanta jazz club Churchill Grounds on Oct. 12th & 13th, 2012’, the assemblage of music lovers that gathered to see them didn’t exactly know what they were in store for. The redefining of Farris’s music by Gunn on her new project, “Dionne Get Your Gunn: Featuring the Russell Gunn Quartet” is a complete departure from her last release, (2011) Lady Dy The Mixtape Part 1. Russell’s arrangement of Dionne’s #1 pop hit “I Know,” on DGYG is done in 5/4 time signature, which never misses a beat and neither does Farris, in her sticking of new landings for the song.

Dionne and Russell have embarked on a musical journey that will lift them higher along with inspiring those that support them.

Four interesting facts about Dionne Farris:

Her new CD, “Dionne Get Your Gunn: Featuring the Russell Gunn Quartet” will be available exclusively at the Yoshi’s San Francisco show.

She was a member of the conscious hip-hop group, Arrested Development, in the nineties.

She said that she cannot leave the building without preforming her signature tune, “Hopeless.” Farris and Gunn will put their own spin on the song at Yoshi’s San Francisco.

Iconic rapper Tupac Shakur said that Dionne Farris’ music comforted him during his incarceration.

 Visit Dionne Farris:

http://dionnefarris.com/

Like her on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Dionne-Farris/17902143117?fref=ts

Visit Russell Gunn:

http://groidmusic.com

Like him on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Russell-Gunn/107820329240504?nr

Black History Month Exclusive- Grammy Winning Vocalist Cassandra Wilson Live at Yoshi’s Jazz Club, San Francisco, Feb. 21-23

Who: Cassandra Wilson

Thursday, Feb 21 - Saturday, Feb 23 8pm and 10pm

Where: Yoshi’s Jazz Club, San Francisco,

Info: http://yoshis.com/sanfrancisco

Photo and Bio Courtesy of Ojah Media Group

Cassandra Wilson is a jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. Described by critic Gary Giddins as "a singer blessed with an unmistakable timbre and attack who has expanded the playing field" by incorporating blues, country and folk music into her work. She began playing piano at six, guitar by the age of twelve and was working as a vocalist by the mid-'70s, singing a wide variety of material. After moving to New York City in the early 80’s, Cassandra met saxophonist Steve Coleman and became one of the founding members of the M-Base Collective. She signed with Blue Note Records in 1992 and released a landmark album titled “Blue Light ‘Til Dawn” which would pave the way for a new generation of jazz singers seeking an approach and repertoire that challenges the supremacy of the American Standard songbook. Wilson has continued interpreting in fresh and creative ways vintage blues, country and folk music up until the present day. Her awards include: two Grammys (including one for her 1995 masterpiece, “New Moon Daughter”), the Django D’Or, The Edison Music Award, a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the 2012 Echo Award for Jazz. She also performed one of the leading roles in Wynton Marsalis' "Blood on the Fields," the first jazz work to receive a Pulitzer Prize.

Cassandra Wilson Discography:

Point of View (1986, JMT)

Days Aweigh (1987, JMT)

Blue Skies (1988, JMT)

Jumpworld (1989, JMT)

She Who Weeps (1990, JMT)

Live (1991, JMT)

After the Beginning Again (1992, JMT)

Dance to the Drums Again (1992, DIW/Columbia)

Blue Light 'Til Dawn (1993, Blue Note)

New Moon Daughter (1995, Blue Note)

Rendezvous (with Jacky Terrasson) (1998, Blue Note)

Traveling Miles (1999, Blue Note)

Belly of the Sun (2002, Blue Note)

Glamoured (2003, Blue Note)

Thunderbird (2006, Blue Note)

Loverly (2008, Blue Note)

Silver Pony (2010, Blue Note)

Another Country (June 2012)

Like Cassandra Wilson on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassandra-Wilson/361569243871752?sk=wall

Mike Phillips

I love the sound of a Saxophone. Mike Phillips plays the Sax so brilliantly. Mike Phillips is a talented and underrated Jazz Saxophonist. Mike Phillips has put out some amazing CD’s. His debut CD “You Reached Mike Phillips” shows his gifted sax playing and energy, it is so powerful. Mike keeps getting better. His second album “Uncommon Denominator” makes you want to take along drive or sit back and listen to this remarkable ability. Mike Phillips just keeps bringing his incredible talent to his fans. His third album “M.P.3” is a mixture of Jazz, Hip Hop and R&B. This CD has something for all musical taste. What I like about Mike Phillips is how he keeps his music fresh, it doesn’t sound the same. I don’t understand why Mike Phillips is not as popular as a Boney James. I think he sounds better. Listen to songs from Mike Phillips on Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on Pandora, iTunes, MyGen365, Athena365 and Live365.

LM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-qyf9vRBuA&list=PL3E12E12598318DF6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9AoQkuTIDQ&list=PL3E12E12598318DF6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ykvbXPO-I&playnext=1&list=PL3E12E12598318DF6&feature=results_video

Donald Byrd

I remember growing up listening to a lot of Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds. My parents were always playing his songs. If we were at home or driving in the car listen to him on 8 tracks songs like “Flight Time”, “Think Twice”, “Places and spaces out there”, “Slow Drag”, “Sky High”, “Witch Hunt”, "You And The Music", “We're Together”, “Rock Creek Park”, “Black Byrd”, “Walking In Rhythm” and “(Falling Like) Dominoes” the list goes on. Donald Byrd’s music has been sampled by rappers. When I hear youngster today, that hear a Donald Byrd song for the first time and say, he got that from so and so. It gives me great pleasure to say learn your history.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on December 9, 1932 Donaldson Toussaint L’Ouverture Byrd II is an American jazz, rhythm and blues trumpeter. Donald Byrd had a gift at an early age. Before finishing high school he was performing with Lionel Hampton. Donald played in the military band, throughout his term in the United States Air Force. He is an educated man as well. He attended Wayne State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in music. He also received a master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music.

Donald Byrd had the foresight to moves away from hard-bop jazz base and began to record jazz fusion and rhythm and blues. Donald Byrd is known to be the pioneer jazz, funk and soul sound of the 1970s. That is when Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds were born. I think this was fantastic move. This was one of the great jazz/funk bands in the 1970s. I count myself blessed to have grown up listening to this amazing music and this great man. You can listen to songs from Donald Byrd on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora MyGen365, Live365 and Athena365.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Donald+Byrd/+wiki

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkXh4kRTBVk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16_RNvYWogs