Streetwise Radio Exclusive: Acclaimed Saxophonist Robert Stewart Endorses R&B Star Brian McNight

Brian McNight performs through Jan. 5, Yoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St., San Francisco (415) 655-5600, www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco

Greetings to All,

I wish all of you a joyous & prosperous new year!

For those in the Bay Area, a great way to celebrate this new year would be to go and support my friend, Brian McKnight.

He is performing at Yoshi's in San Francisco with his full band. However, I told him that he needs to hire actual HORN PLAYERS, and stop trying to make synthesizers their substitute. He giggled then said: "I feel you Rob." He's a funny dude & super cool, indeed. For those here who don't know him, he is an R&B icon; one of the best pianists / vocalists in the world, so check him out if you are able.

Hope to see you all at some point during this new year!

Yours,

Robert

About Brian McKnight

As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has earned himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 15 albums to date, seven of them have gone platinum, with several going 2 and 3x platinum, and he has sold more that 20 million albums worldwide. McKnight is also a multi- instrumentalist who plays nine instruments including piano, guitar bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet.

In an industry known for a constantly revolving door of artists, McKnight has easily established himself with an enviable record of chart consistency, has toured successfully for over a decade, and has collaborated with performers across every genre including Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Diddy, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson and Kenny G.

McKnight’s 15th studio album, “More Than Words,” once again shares with the listener the songwriting, production, and vocal talents that have been at the forefront of Brian’s lasting and acclaimed career. McKnight continues to release music and perform to sold out audiences globally. He has sold well over 20 million albums worldwide, with several albums going multi-platinum.

McKnight is the recipient of numerous awards including Soul Train Awards and Image Awards, as well as 16 Grammy nominations. Additional nominations include MTV Video Music Awards, BET Awards and American Music Awards.

With seemingly endless talent, McKnight has successfully crossed every medium in entertainment. From producing some of today’s hottest acts, to a red carpet host for “Extra!” to scoring movies for Tyler Perry, and garnering outstanding reviews in “Chicago” on Broadway. Brian has hosted both his own syndicated radio and TV shows simultaneously.

McKnight is that uniquely talented individual who can multi task effortlessly with a never ending supply of creativity.

About Robert Stewart

Amazingly, Robert Stewart did not even begin to play the saxophone until the age of 17. Born and raised in Oakland, CA, basketball had been the primary passion of his youth. His 6 ft. 4 inch frame, earned him varsity shooting guard status on the Fremont High School basketball team for two years. However, Stewart was struck by divine revelation shortly after graduating from Fremont. While surfing the radio to find a rap or R&B station, Stewart stumbled upon a traditional jazz piece being performed by a tenor saxophonist who sounded as though he were literally possessed or enraged. The intense pace of the tune was unbelievable. This piece was immediately followed by another of romantic or heavenly qualities, by a different individual; However, playing the very same instrument. These two jazz giants were John Coltrane and Ben Webster. The contrast in mood and timbre of the instrument played by the previously mentioned so overwhelmed Stewart, that he immediately asked his father to purchase a saxophone; Stewart's father happily obliged.

Though completely self-taught on the saxophone and music in general (incorporating only an elementary saxophone manual for guidance), Stewart enrolled in a Jazz Jam Session class (under the persuasion of his ever insightful mother) hosted by the Bay Area piano legend, Ed Kelly. Another giant of the present day was also enrolled in this class with Stewart, Joshua Redman. As though the two previously mentioned weren't enough for a wonderful beginning, the saxophone titan Pharaoh Sanders would regularly jam in the class room with Stewart and the rest. Stewart's initial reaction to the eclectic, white bearded, tenor titan was: "Mr. Kelly, who is the dude with the white beard hanging down to his stomach like Santa Claus?" Kelly's response: "Man, that's Pharaoh Sanders; He played with Trane (Coltrane)." Consequently, the mere mention of the name (Coltrane) induced immediate respect and admiration for the bearded tenor titan. On a similar note, Pharaoh (while Stewart was playing) leaned over to Kelly and stated: "Ed, I hear something in this one." Hence, Pharaoh passed Stewart a note which stated: "Come over to my house tomorrow afternoon. I can help you with your horn." Stewart (living only 6 blocks from Pharaoh at that time) did as instructed. Stewart and Sanders maintain a blood brother relationship to this day.

However, it was through an elder Bay Area trumpeter (Robert Porter) that Stewart was introduced to the saxophonists and music of early America, such as Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Sidney Bechet, Lucky Thompson, etc. Consequently, it was Stewart's vast knowledge and performance of early American music styles that compelled the trumpet colossus and living legend Wynton Marsalis (whom Stewart first met and played with in a Jam Session in Oakland over a decade ago) to hire him for his Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (in which Stewart served a 4 year stint), and purchased a new horn for Stewart to do so. Stewart (whom Wynton has tellingly dubbed: "THE REVEREND") performs with Wynton and orchestra on the Columbia/Sony recordings: “They Came To Swing,” and the Pulitzer prize winning “Blood On The Fields.” The latter is a three-hour oratorio featuring Cassandra Wilson and John Hendricks. Stewart has also been filmed with Wynton on the award-winning television program Sessions At West 54th Street, “Marsalis On Music” (with legendary conductor Segi Ozawa), and the South Bank Series for Bravo Television. Stewart has toured the world with Marsalis and has also performed, recorded, or toured with the following: President Bill Clinton, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, Doc Cheatham, Benny Golson, Jimmy Smith, Pharaoh Sanders, Eddie Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, Billy Higgins, Donald Byrd, Barry Harris, George Coleman, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Kenny Kirkland, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Bobby Hutcherson, Pony Poindexter, Big Jay McNeely, John Lee Hooker, John Handy, Donald "Duck" Bailey, Freddie Redd, Jon Faddis, Billy Mitchell, Etta Jones, Cassandra Wilson, Ernie Andrews, Eddie Moore, George Cables, Ray Drummond, Chico Freeman, Roy Hargrove, Marcus Roberts, John Hendricks, Les McCann, Cyrus Chestnut/Donald Harrison, Joshua Redman/Brian Blade, James Carter, Bobby Watson, Sonny Simmons, Lavay Smith, Jules Broussard, Greg Philingains (Michael Jackson), Terri Lynn Carrington (Arsenio Hall), Lenny White (Tower of Power), Felton Pilate (Confunkshun) and many others.

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

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

DJ Michael Ealey said I would like The Fusion Syndicate CD. Listening to the first two tunes “Random Acts of Science” and “Stone Cold Infusion” had me a little suspect about this CD. It did not have enough jazz for my liking. The guitar playing was too over powering. It sounded more like, rock musicians trying to play jazz. It seem to me they were just jamming. There is no cohesiveness between the players. As I continued listening to this CD I started to like it more. Specially the tunes “In The Spirit Of...” and “Molecular Breakdown” the sax work is great. The tune “At The Edge Of The Middle” was another tune that had all the musicians feeding off of each other. That is what I like to hear when I’m listening to Jazz fusion. This CD is real live musicians doing what they do best. Some of the featured musicians on this CD are Rick Wakeman, Billy Sherwood, Billy Cobham, Steve Morse and a host of others. Well, over all “The Fusion Syndicate” CD gets 4 out of 5 stars, because this CD is real music not all that synthesized crap. You can listen to songs from “The Fusion Syndicate” on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

Joe Blessett Jazz Man of Mystery

Who is Joe Blessett? What does he look like? That is the one million dollar question. I know his music is composed, effortlessness, genuine and methodical. Joe Blessett says he’s not a musician and that music is his vice. Well, I must say if he not a musician, then what are these music stars of today called. It is puzzling to me, because his music features acoustic instruments, electronic instruments which blend well with his writing skills. Joe Blessett’s touch of funk and a lot of sax is very pleasing to the smooth jazz and the modern jazz fan. I love his sound. Joe Blessett is a true composer and writer. Joe Blessett’s 2011 album “Chillin Out In Dark Places” is a compilation of him sitting back in dark places and observing life. Like he says in his bio “What I see composed into musical composition. Music is life moving at different speeds heading two different directions moving along separately, but in unison creating a fluid motion and providing peace to those who will listen.” Joe Blessett is a guy of mystery. His music is in my opinion jazzy, funky and mellow. The songs Better Days, East Shore, Rainy Season, Chillin out in Dark Places, Friends, Wine & Good Times Warm Summer Night are my favorites. I like these songs because of the bluesy, jazzy sax playing. I know I’m a Joe Blessett fan now. If you have never heard of Joe Blessett you can listen to some of his music on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on ITunes, Athena365, MyGen365 and Live365. 

LM

http://www.joeblessett.com/index.html

Tatiana Mayfield A Portrait of LadyMay

Tatiana Mayfield is a twenty something, jazz singer with a unique, amazing and invigorating voice. She grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. In her senior year of high school, she appeared of Showtime at The Apollo in 2004 singing “Good Morning Heart Ache”. This was the beginning of a fantastic jazz singer with incredible talent. Tatiana went on to pursue her musical studies at the University of North Texas and was a member of the Jazz Singers ensemble. While Tatiana was in college she received several awards for “Outstanding Performance” in the “Jazz Vocal Soloist” category in DownBeat magazine’s June 2009. Also she received the award for “Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Jazz Studies” from the University of North Texas jazz department in 2009. Tatiana was chosen on October 2010 as one of the twelve semi-finalists to compete in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition that was held in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian Museum. Tatiana has pure confidence in her ability. She has performed before a panel of legendary jazz vocalists that included Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Kurt Elling. Tatiana released her debut album in the fall of 2009 called “From All Directions”. This album was collaboration with pianist Erskine Hawkins III. On this album she has spiritual songs and jazz songs that show her versatility as a singer. Two of my favorite songs off this album are “Speak To My Heart” and “A Little Acapella For Ya For Fun”. Tatiana released her second album in July 2012 “A Portrait Of LadyMay”. My favorite songs off this album are, “Real”, “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise”, “Judgment Day”, “Zone”, “Sequins”, “Love” and “Olha Pro Ceu (Look to the Sky)”. "A Portrait Of LadyMay" is a forceful and original work that covers Tatiana's writing talent and flexibility. If you like jazz artists that sing Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield is one to put in your collection. She definitely has the skills. Listen to songs from Tatiana Mayfield’s album “A Portrait of LadyMay” on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, Athena365, live365 and ITunes.

LM

http://www.tatianamayfield.com/Home_Page.php

Kenny Wellington
CD title: In Retrospect
Genre:  Soul Jazz

CD album ‘In Retrospect’

Trumpet player Kenny Wellington was an original founder member of the groups Light Of The World and Beggar & Co. As well as performing and recording with those groups
he has recorded, arranged and played live dates with many artists from the different genres of soul, jazzfunk, rock and pop. These artists include fine artists such as Tina Turner, Spandau Ballet, Gabrielle, Paul Weller, Incognito, Tom Browne, Jean Carn, The Jones Girls, Gwen Mc Rae, Alexander O’Neal and many others.
;Bahia’ is from the CD album ‘In Retrospect’, the follow up to the first solo recording ‘Kind Of Black’ which featured the popular recording ‘The Big Apple’ which received much airplay in the UK and USA on stations favouring the jazz, soul and jazzfunk genres. The influence and style of the music of the early Seventies classic jazzfunk albums is evident throughout.
The CD pays homage to the tradition of the great works of musicians like Donald Byrd and his work with the Mizell Brothers with tracks like ‘Free Your Mind’ and ‘Dream Land’ being set firmly in this direction. There is a great reworking of the track ‘Bahia’ which was originally co produced by Kenny and Richard Bull well known for his fine work with Incognito. ‘Rain Dance’ is more akin to the work of the great Woody Shaw. There is also the influence in the playing of Nat Adderley, with a definite nod in the direction of some of the great work that Marcus Miller produced for the great Miles Davis. ‘In Retro Spect’ sits well with the great work of the modern day trumpet players with some wonderful melodic playing over some very soulful and jazzy grooves.

http://myspace.com/kennywellington
kennywellington@hotmail.com

Jazz Vocalist Gregory Porter “Be Good”

WOW, just discovered Mr. Porter, DJ Michael Ealey told me we have to write about Gregory Porter he’s an underrated talent. Thanks Mike for the introduction to Gregory Porter. The way I can describe Gregory Porter is beautiful, excellent, brilliant and superb. Gregory Porter was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actor. Gregory Porter attended San Diego State University on a football scholarship until a shoulder injury sidelined him permanently. I guess everything happens for a reason. If not then we would not have this wonderful jazz vocalist. Gregory’s career path and professional development started when he met saxophonist, pianist, and composer Kamau Kenyatta. Who introduced Gregory to flautist Hubert Laws? Hubert Laws heard Gregory singing along to Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” song. Hubert added in a bonus track with Gregory on vocals singing “Smile”, on his “Remembers the Unforgettable Nat King Cole” album in 1998. While visiting the studio Eloise Laws, Hubert's sister helped get Porter cast in one of the leading roles in a new musical, “It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues.” This stage play was performed at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Then it moved to Off-Broadway and then on to the big time Broadway. That is how his acting career came about. Gregory currently lives in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Smoke Jazz is where he performs regularly. Gregory Porter has performed frequently at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland and the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. Gregory has recorded with Nicola Conte. He also appeared on Later... with Jools Holland on BBC2 (notably on Jools' 2011 New Year show, Hootenanny). In 2011, Gregory appeared on the TV show Carole King and Friends at Christmas. Gregory Porter is a jazz singer, who got his roots from Soul, Jazz, R&B and Gospel music. His mother was a minister, she told him to sing with an understanding and Gregory does just that. Gregory Porters first album “Water” is outstanding. The songs I really like from that album are, “Skylark”, “1960 What?”, “Illusion”, “Water”, and “Pretty”. Gregory’s second album came out on February 14, 2012. All I can say is, WOW! This whole album is fantastic. This man can sing the way he delivers a song is truly amazing. I like every songs off of the “Be Good” album it is hard to choose my favorite. If I were asked it probably would be, "Be Good (Lion's Song), "Real Good Hands", "When Did You Learn”, “Painted On Canvas” and "On My Way To Harlem". Gregory Porter wears this brown hat that covers his head, neck, ears and throat. All you see is his face and beard, which is not a bad looking face to look at. If you enjoy jazz singers like I do. Then check out Gregory Porter on Streetwise radio. Trust me you will enjoy his sound. It reminds me two of my favorite singers the late great Nat King Cole and Lou Rawls. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, live365, Athena365 and I-Tunes.

LM

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

HULON
CD title: After Hours
Genre:  Smooth Jazz

HULON After Hours Truly living up to its provocative title, Hulon’s 2010 independently released debut First Impressions spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Jazz Chart (peaking at #25). Its debut single “Sax on the Beach” reached #16 on the SmoothJazz.com Top 50 Indie Chart and was featured on the noted jazz website AllAboutJazz.com, in addition to receiving national and international airplay at terrestrial and online radio.
Collaborating once again with mentor, composer, producer and fellow saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, the Panama City, Florida based tenor saxman gets even more personal and intimate with his growing audience on his highly anticipated, musically eclectic follow-up After Hours. World renowned for his years with The Rippingtons, The Sax Pack and numerous hit solo albums over the past 20 years, Kashiwa again brought in some of contemporary jazz’s most powerful and dynamic players to take Hulon’s musical game on the new collection to the next level; Dave Hooper (drums), Allen Hinds (guitar), Melvin Davis (bass) and Bill Heller (keyboards) all played key roles as well on First Impressions. The new 11 track set includes a vocal and instrumental version of the Heatwave classic “Always and Forever” and eight originals penned by Kashiwa that play to Hulon’s strengths as a soulful balladeer and a grooving R&B/funk player, with a few dashes of cool and swinging traditional jazz in the mix. Highlights include the sensual late night romance “You’re Beautiful,” the whimsical mid tempo light funk tune “Takin’ My Time,” the tropical chill of “Sticky Trickuation,” the sly, “Pink Panther”-esque “Speak Easy” (featuring shuffling drum, bass and finger snap rhythm) and the high octane horn-driven jam and first single from the new release,“Do You Feel Me.” Yet there’s lot more to Hulon’s dynamic emergence onto the urban jazz scene than simple chart stats and the support of some of the genre’s best players. At its heart, it’s the story of a musical dream long deferred and unique connections between the spiritual and emotional healing power of music and the physical healing that Dr. Hulon E. Crayton does as a rheumatologist and founder of The Arthritis and Infusion Center, which specializes in the treatment of Rheumatological diseases as well as sports related injuries. The title of one of the tracks on After Hours, the tropical flavored groove tune, “Second Opinion” is a playful ode to his longtime profession. Over the past few years, Hulon has experienced the unique double blessing of performing for some of his patients, feeling joy and fulfillment as those who once could not even walk actually got up and danced and sang along—all thanks to him! Hulon has been practicing since 1986 and is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and of the American Board of Rheumatology. He has a Master’s in Hospital Administration and has served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserve, obtaining the rank of Captain. In an effort to give back to the community, Hulon and his wife Dinah created the Crayton Foundation to assist in providing minorities with a feasible way to attain the funding needed to attend college; they have given numerous scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare related fields. The foundation gave the first ever scholarship at Florida State University for African American students. The Milwaukee born and raised Hulon was originally inspired to play the alto sax by his college roommate when he was an undergrad at Lincoln University in Missouri. He taught himself the instrument and it became a favorite hobby for a time, used as recreation and stress relief as Hulon played along to his favorite recordings. He put the horn aside for years as he went to medical school at the University of Wisconsin, started his first practice, got married and began raising a family. Hulon’s interest was rekindled when all three of his children showed an interest in music and served as first chair on their respective instruments in middle school. He had loaned his daughter his old sax and she wouldn’t give it back, so he bought a tenor at a local pawn shop (after moving to Florida) and that became his main voice as he began to pursue music professionally. He started playing informally with some local musicians (enjoying cigars and martinis along the way) and then was hired to play at a festival by a promoter who heard him performing one Sunday at church; this prompted Hulon to start a band with a fellow doctor friend. Cleverly dubbing themselves On Call, the band began performing at numerous private functions, local Panama City jazz hotspots like the Boatyard, Firefly, Bonefish and large scale affairs at the Grand Panama Hotel. His incredible friendship and musical association with Jeff Kashiwa began when Hulon was in the audience at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival one year when the famed saxman was onstage playing the EWI, or Electronic Woodwind Instrument. “He started introducing this cool looking instrument and I shouted out from the crowd that I’ve gotta get me one of those,” says Hulon. “Jeff responded from the stage, ‘Not only will I sell this to you, I will also teach you how to play it!’ After the show I met him and asked if he was serious. He gave me his address, I sent him a check and he sold me his EWI. He was down in Orlando with the Rippingtons two months later and I went to see him. He took me up to his hotel room and taught me how to play EWI. At a later gig in Atlanta, he invited me backstage to meet the Rippingtons. We started doing lessons on Skype, and about a year later, Jeff was playing at a fundraiser for the Anchorage Children’s Home, which takes care of disadvantaged youth, and my band opened for him. I was nervous at first but later in the show, when he invited me to play onstage with him and we traded solos while walking parallel up the aisle in the audience, I felt like this was a musical high I could get used to!” Hulon’s later idea to hire the veteran saxman to compose a jingle for his practice inspired Kashiwa to write an extended version called “Dr. Goodfoot,” which ultimately became the first track they recorded on First Impressions. The title is a nod to James Brown’s classic “Get on the Good Foot.” Once Hulon received the blessing of his wife Dinah and the encouragement of his children, he enlisted Kashiwa to help him develop a full length album project—beginning with four demos that Kashiwa had sent him after “Dr. Goodfoot.” “The experience was surreal,” Hulon says, “as if I were suddenly on this fast track. A few years earlier, I wasn’t even playing the horn, and here I was in a studio recording with a world renowned saxophonist who believed in my potential as an artist. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. “Even as he was producing me,” he adds, “he was my teacher and mentor, telling me what I needed to do, helping make me a better player. The cool thing about Jeff is that he always has a goal for me inside his mind. He won’t always tell me what it is, but when I hit it, he tells me and then raising the bar. With constructive criticism, he knows how to get the best out of me. The experience became even more intense as we worked on After Hours. I am feeling more confident about myself as a player and artist than ever and am able to nail a song much faster. The first time we ever recorded, it took me eight hours to do the first song and four days to do three songs. This time we got almost the whole album done in three days—all thanks to Jeff’s encouragement and gentle push at the right times.” Believing that “versatility is survivability,” Hulon (with Kashiwa’s guidance) breaks the mold of the typical urban jazz output these days by offering a wide variety of styles and grooves behind his rich emotional tenor melodies. That’s not surprising considering the wide variety of genres he listens to on his iPod—from hip hop and country to orchestral and classical music. Yet beyond simply providing musical pleasure to the genre’s adult audiences, he says, “I want to be inspiring to children and a good role model to them the way I have strived to be with my own kids. I’m really enjoying this journey every step of the way. As with medicine, I get great personal joy and satisfaction having people appreciate what I do. My time in the office is devoted to physical healing. But when I’m recording or playing live onstage, that’s when the spiritual healing begins.”

Web: www.mileshighproductions.com

Chip chip@mileshighproductions.com

Brian Culbertson “Dreams”

Born on January 12, 1973 Brian Culbertson is a musician and instrumentalist from Decatur, Illinois. He is the son of jazz band director and trumpeter Jim Culbertson. Brian plays the keyboard and trombone. Brian’s music is heavily influenced by funk. He has been putting more vocals in his music. Some of the vocalist he has used is Trey Lorenz, Marc Nelson, Kenny Lattimore and Avant. Brian has worked as a composer and arranger for some well-known jazz artist like Dave Koz, Peter White, Richard Elliot, Jeff Lorber, Michael Lington and legendary A&M Record’s composer and producer Herb Alpert. The cast of musicians he has on this album are Alex Al, John "Jubu" Smith, Eric Marienthal, Michael Stever, Ray Parker, Jr., Rex Rideout, and Rob "Fonksta" Bacon. The songs I really enjoy on this album are “Later Tonight”, “No Limits”, and “Still Here”, “You’re My Music”, “Dream”, “Lights Off and The Journey. Brian has blended adult-oriented R&B with contemporary jazz on the “Dreams” album. On vocals he has Staley Williams (Mint Condition), Vivian Green, and Noel Gourd in. This album is worth buying, it is smooth jazz and R&B at its best.

LM

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

Roy Ayers

Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s I was exposed to all types of music. My parents had a reel to reel tape player. I remember my father sitting in the living at night and transfer his albums to the reel to reel tape player. One of his favorite artist was Roy Ayers, I remember my dad playing the “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” album. My favorite song was and still is “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”, that song is a song that is still inspiring today.

Roy Ayers grew up in Los Angeles, California in "South Central", back then it was called "South Park". This was where the black music scene for musicians’ in Los Angeles back then. When Roy was five years old Lionel Hampton gave him his first pair of vibraphone mallets for the xylophone. Roy Ayers over the decades have put out some amazing albums. Another one I remember is the “Mystic Voyage” album it had an R&B vibe not like “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” jazz sound. Another one of my favorite songs was "Evolution" from the “Mystic Voyage”. I can always tell when I hear a Roy Ayers song; his signature xylophone sound takes me back to my childhood days. The Roy Ayers Project featuring Ayers and many Hip Hop producers is a documentary that is supposed to be released sometime in 2012.

Tune into the Jazz Café 12-1pm Monday through Friday on Streetwise Radio and catch one of Roy Ayers songs. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, MyGen365, Athena365 and live.365.

LM

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

Jazz Saxophonist Grace Kelly

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Grace Kelly was born Grace Chung on May 15, 1992 in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Grace is of Korean descent. In 1997 her mother remarried Robert Kelly. He legally adopted grace a couple of years later that is how she got the name Grace Kelly. Grace was fortunate to grow up in a family that appreciated music and the arts. Grace’s parents would play Stan Getz while having brunch. Grace fell in love with the saxophone and wanted to play, but was too young. At the age of six Grace started taking classical piano, but she preferred jazz because she could make up her own melodies. When Grace was seven she wrote a song titled “On My Way Home”. While in the 4^th grade Grace tried the clarinet, but switch to the saxophone in the 5^th grade. The saxophone was the instrument she always wanted to play. Grace left High School at 16, got her G.E.D and went to Berklee College of Music where she got her degree in Professional Music in December 2011. Grace was the youngest musician ever to be voted by Down Beat Magazine’s Critics Poll in 2009, 2010 and 2011 as Alto Saxophone Rising Stars. Grace Kelly’s talents don’t stop at jazz saxophonist. Her other talents are vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and bandleader. This young lady does it all. Grace Kelly is truly an jazz saxophone prodigy she has been around the world and played with the likes of some of the greats Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Esperanza Spalding, Dianne Reeves, Phil Collins, Harry Connick Jr., Dee Dee Bridgewater, Geri Allen, Ann Hampton Callaway, Cedar Walton Hank Jones, Keith Lockhart, Frank Morgan, Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton, Terri Lynne Carrington Chris Potter and the list goes on.  Her debut CD “Dreaming” was released in 2004. She was only 12 years old. Seven CD’s later Grace Kelly released the self-titled CD “Grace” in 2011.She is 19 years old and still blowing the saxophone like she has been doing it for 30 years or more. I like Grace Kelly she is a talented musician that we’re going to hear from for a long time to come. You can listen to Grace Kelly on Streetwise Radio Jazz Café 12-1pm or on live365, Athena365, MyGen365 and iTunes.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Kelly_%28musician%29

Passing of a Legend Ralph McDonald (March 15, 1944-December 18.2011)

Ralph McDonald was a percussionist, song-writer, musical arranger, record producer, steelpan (drum) virtuoso and philanthropist. Ralph McDonald grew up in Harlem New York, his father was a calypsonian and bandleader who was from Trinidad and Tobago who went by the stage name was “Macbeth the Great”. Ralph McDonald’s musical talent in the steelpan drums landed him a job playing on the Harry Belafonte outfit when he was seventeen. Ralph McDonald left the Harry Belafonte after ten years that was in 1967. Ralph McDonald, Bill Eaton and William Salter formed the Antisia Music Inc. Ralph’s McDonalds big break came when he and William Slater wrote “Where Is The Love” recorded by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in 1971. This song is a classic and one of my all-time favorites. It won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It also sold a million copies and was awarded gold status. Ralph McDonald played on this song. Ralph McDonald was best known for is song “Just the Two of Us” a mega hit by sung Bill Withers and Mr. Magic also done by saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. The story behind “Just the Two of Us” (came to Ralph MacDonald after a glossy brochure in the showcase of a Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board New York office caught his eye (The Tourist Board is the precursor to the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company). On the cover of the brochure was a picture of a girl on a warm sunny Tobago beach inviting the US tourist to come to the twin-isle tropical state to "discover the both of us". It must have at once brought back a yearning for home, as Ralph immediately began humming a melody built upon lyrics centered around the catchy phrase :)

I see the crystal raindrops fall And the beauty of it all Is when the sun comes shining through To make those rainbows in my mind And I think of you sometime And I want to spend sometime with you

Just the two of us...

This is in my opinion one of the prettiest lyrical songs and another one of my favorites. Ralph McDonald recorded with hundreds of artist I’m going to list a few Burt Bacharach, George Benson, David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Art Garfunkel, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Miriam Makeba, David Sanborn, Paul Simon, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Luther Vandross, Amy Winehouse, Bob James, Ashford and Simpson, Nana Mouskouri, The Average White Band, Hall and Oates, The Brothers Johnson, and Jimmy Buffett. Ralph McDonald was featured percussionists on George Benson’s “Breezin” album in 1976, Carole King’s “Thoroughbred” album 1975 and Looking Glass’s “Subway Serenade” album in 1973. I’m writing this blog on Ralph McDonald because of my husband Bryant Mills who is a drummer. He always talked to me about his two idols Ralph McDonald and Harvey Mason ever since we met back in 1984. He would say his playing style came from Ralph McDonald and Harvey Mason. People need to know the history behind songs who wrote them and why they were written. Ralph McDonald was great musician, he will be missed.

LM

Tony Saunders Romancing the Bass.

Tony Saunders the son of the late great keyboardist Merl Saunders was destine to be a musician. Merl Saunders got his son Tony started at an early age, by the time he was five he was singing. At the age of eight was playing the piano and his teachers were Herbie Hancock and Sly Stone, when he was ten Sly gave him an organ. Tony was awarded a prestigious fellowship to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for the piano. Tony started playing the bass at the age of fourteen. Tony his brother Merl Jr., and Sister Susan known as The Man Child Singers wrote a jingle for the San Francisco Giants in 1969. When Tony was eighteen he began playing with Merl Saunders & the Rainforest Band as a featured musician. Other musicians who had an influence in Tony’s love of the bass were Chuck Rainey, Jack Cassidy and John Kahn. Tony was turned on to James Jamerson by John Kahn and Tony modeled his playing after all of his teachers. Tony was also influenced by other great bass players like Stanley Clarke, Alphonso Johnson, Rufus Reid, Ralphe Armstrong and Marcus Miller. Tony Saunders also has a love for Gospel music, when he has at the age of fourteen he met the Hawkins they inspired him to play the bass. Tony has played with some of Gospels greats like Andrae Crouch, the Clark Sisters, Reverend James Moore, Daryl Coley, James Cleveland and the Williams Brothers. Tony Saunders also gives back to his community and charities he has performed on behalf of Seva Foundation, the Rex Foundation, Rock for Hope, the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic, and the Rainforest Action Network. Tony Saunders Tony Saunders has a new CD that is to be released October 26, 2011, called “Romancing The Bass” this album has an piano solo by Merl Saunders on the song “Song for my Dad” this is a beautiful song. I also like “Heart Song” and “Melody In My Heart”. Tony Saunders CD release party is at Yoshi’s in San Francisco on October 26. 2011 if your in San Francisco stop by you will have a great time. You can listen to Tony Saunders “Romancing The Bass” on Streetwise Radio.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Saunders_%28bassist%29

Trombone Shorty

Troy Andrews (Trombone Shorty) born January 2, 1986 has music in his blood. Trombone Shorty grew up in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans’;he played in brass bands as a child and was a bandleader at the age of six. Trombone Shorty is the younger brother of James Andrews’s trumpeter and bandleader and he is the grandson of singer/songwriter Jessie Hill. In 2005, Trombone Shorty went on tour with Lenny Kravitz’s horn section. When the levees broke in New Orleans on August 29, 2005 Trombone Shorty along with other musicians from New Orleans got together in Austin Texas to do a benefit CD called “Sing Me Back Home”. I first heard Trombone Shorty’s music last year while I was riding in the car with my husband; I like the songs “Show Me Something Beautiful.” This young brother has played with various artists of different genres of music like U2, Green Day, Dave Mathews Band, Eric Clapton, Lenny Kravitz, Dr John and Wynton Marsalis one of my favorite trumpets players. Trombone Shorty performed in my hometown of San Jose California at the 2011 San Jose Jazz Festival I did not get to see him. I think this young brother is going to be around for sometime bringing that Trombone Shorty New Orleans jazz funk sound. 




LM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trombone_Shortyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u2btTS9FL4

BRANFORD MARSALIS Performs at YOSHI'S San Fransisco

An Evening With BRANFORD MARSALIS

Sep 21-Sep 25, 2011

An evening with one of the most innovative and forward-thinking jazz ensembles today

Phone: 415.655.5600Phone: 415.655.5600

• Wednesday: 8pm $30, 10pm $20 
• Thursday & Friday: 8pm $40, 10pm $30
• Saturday: 8pm & 10pm $40
• Sunday: 7pm $40, 9pm $30

       

Branford Marsalis

NEA Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award®-winning saxophonist and Tony Award® nominee composer Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time. The three-time Grammy Award® winner has continued to exercise and expand his skills as an instrumentalist, a composer, and the head of Marsalis Music, the label he founded in 2002 that has allowed him to produce both his own projects and those of the jazz world’s most promising new and established artists.

Marsalis made his Broadway debut as the composer of original music for the Tony Award® winning Broadway revival of August Wilson’s play “Fences”. Marsalis received a Tony nomination in the category of “Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre” and a 2010 Drama Desk Award® for “Outstanding Music in a Play” for his participation.

Leader of one of the finest jazz Quartets today, and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Branford has become increasingly sought after as a featured soloist with such acclaimed orchestras as the Chicago, Detroit, Düsseldorf, and North Carolina Symphonies and the Boston Pops, with a growing repertoire that includes compositions by Copland, Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, Mahler, Milhaud, Rorem and Vaughn Williams. His propensity for innovative and forward-thinking compels him to seek new and challenging works by modern classical composers such as modern Scottish composer Sally Beamish who, after hearing Branford perform her composition “The Imagined Sound of Sun on Stone” at the 2006 North Sea Jazz Festival, was inspired to re-conceive a piece in progress, “Under the Wing of the Rock,” which he premiered as part of the Celtic Connections festival Beamish’s home country of Scotland in January 2009.

Making his first appearance with the New York Philharmonic in the summer of 2010, Marsalis was again invited to join them as soloist in their 2010-2011 concert series where he unequivocally demonstrated his versatility and prowess, bringing “a gracious poise and supple tone… and an insouciant swagger” (New York Times) to the repertoire.

In 2011, the National Endowment for the Arts conferred the prestigious Jazz Masters Fellowship on the Marsalis Family, a celebration and acknowledgement of a family described by the New York Times as “jazz’s most storied living dynasty”, who have made an indelible mark, collectively and individually, on the history and the future of jazz, America’s art form.

Songs of Mirth and Melancholy

On Songs, the mutual admiration between Marsalis and Calderazzo is expressed through music that is the result of close listening, cooperation, and continuous adjustment to one another’s musical ideas. Branford says,“The duo is more like classical chamber music. You have to listen to each other or it doesn’t work.” Joey adds that they challenge each other to step up their playing; “I put myself out there now, painting myself into corners to see if I can figure out the puzzle.” The musicians both treat the duo performance as an opportunity for something completely unique from their performances together in the Branford Marsalis Quartet.“… the object is not to play in the same way that you play in other situations. You have to change the conversation as well as the setting. Once you know the form, you can just react to each other, which you can’t do when a group gets larger.”

Songs includes three original compositions from Marsalis, four from Calderazzo, a cover of a Wayne Shorter’s “Face on the Barroom Floor,” and Brahms’s “Die Trauernde,” which Marsalis identifies as “the inspiration for how we approach everything as a duo.” Marsalis and Calderazzo recorded Songsclose to home at Durham, North Carolina’s Hayti Center. Marsalis describes the room as having qualities that “studios and concert halls pay millions to achieve. The sound is incredibly intimate,and very naked.”

The same could be said of the sounds that Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo have brought forth on Songs of Mirth and Melancholy. Neighbors, golf buddies,teaching colleagues, longtime band members and friends, Marsalis and Calderazzo share with their listeners a passionate and profound duo collection.

Whether on the stage, in the recording studio, in the classroom or in the community, Branford Marsalis embodies a commitment to musical excellence and a determination to keep music at the forefront.

For More Info, Visit Branford Marsalis' Website!

Yoshi's San Francisco is located at 1330 Fillmore at Eddy on the ground floor of the Fillmore Heritage Center. Yoshi's is on the ground floor on the front side of the building. Valet parking or self parking is available in the garage directly beneath the building. Garage entrance is on Eddy 

Phone: 415.655.5600

Q&A with Saxophonist Ranzel Merritt, Jr. By Shelah Moody

Q&A with Saxophonist Ranzel Merritt, Jr.

By Shelah Moody

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            Saxophonist Ranzel Merritt, Jr. epitomizes the word “prodigy.” Watching him perform Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce” on YouTube, you can see that this 18-year-old is already an accomplished musician, giving artists such as Branford Marsalis and Kenny Garrett a run for their money. Merritt comes by his talent honest; his father, Ranzel Merritt, Sr., is a renowned jazz drummer who has played and toured with Pharaoh Saunders, the David Murray, Last Poets and Ed Kelly among others.

            The Ranzel Merritt, Jr., recently graduated from the Oakland School for the Arts. During this year’s AfroSolo performance, Merritt will lead his own band of talented young musicians, including Omree Gal-Oz (piano) Chris Jefferies (standing bass) and Malachi Whitson (drums). This summer, Merritt performed at an outdoor concert for peace as part of the 2011 AfroSolo Arts Festival. 

 

Q: Where did your amazing talent come from? Did you demonstrate a natural ability to play before you studied music in school?

 

A: First of all, my dad is the one who inspired me to start music. Since I was a baby, I was going to his gigs and I grew up around the cats. He inspired me to pick up an instrument and start making music, but he never forced it on me, which was a good thing. I fell in love with music. I started in the fourth grade at Peralta Elementary School in Oakland. I started off on drums, but they didn’t really work for me, so I started playing the saxophone in the elementary school band. From there, in the sixth grade, I got into the Young Musicians Program at U.C. Berkeley.  That’s when I started really getting serious about my music and taking everything to another level, because I saw kids my same age who were playing really well and kicking my butt.

 

Q: My father was also a jazz musicians, and I know that we musician’s kids, grow up under unique set of circumstances.

 

A: It is definitely different than what everybody else goes through. As a musician’s kid, you learn things a lot faster. You mature a lot faster, too, because you are around the club scene a lot. You experience things that most people experience when they are adults. It’s a wonderful experience. I’m glad I have two parents in the house.

 

Q: Describe your past experience working with AfroSolo.

 

A: When I first worked with AfroSolo, I was young; I was in the ninth grade, I was young, and I had only been playing the tenor saxophone for two years. I was still getting used to the instruments. I had my brother on drums and my dad’s friend on bass. I really don’t remember who I had on piano, but it was a good gig. I enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun, the crowd was great and they had a lot of great bands that day. It was really cool, it was a wonderful experience just being on the show and having the opportunity to work with Thomas and AfroSolo. It was a big deal.

 

Q: What players do you listen to nowadays?

 

A: In terms of jazz, Kenny Garrett has definitely influenced me. I had the opportunity to play with Kenny at Yoshi’s nightclub when I was in the tenth grade. That was a great opportunity. Also James Carter, Joshua Redman-- all of the cats who came up in the 1980s and 1990s have influenced me. Definitely, the older cats like Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. I’m definitely loving Branford Marsalis right now.

 

Q: As a young person, how do you feel that music can promote peace and unity?

 

A: Music can promote a lot of things nowadays, to tell the truth. So many people are into music such as hip hop, rap. There are so many ways that artists such as Jay-Z and Beyonce put out their music and influence a lot of people. The Last Poets are a really good example of artists who promote peace and power. Also, Common and Lupe Fiasco.  They promote some good things. People like John Coltrane promoted positive energy and good vibes, not negative stuff. As long as you are putting out positive thoughts and energy, people are definitely going to love you and pass it on.

 

Q: What are your current goals in terms of music?

 

A: First, I want to finish college. I also want to continue with my own band, doing my own pieces. I want to get my master’s degree either in New York or in L.A. at the Thelonius Monk Institute.  I want to travel around the world. I want to get signed.  I want to play other types of music. I started out playing gospel music in church. I’ve played everything, I’ve played rock, show tunes; I’ve done R&B gigs. If I can express myself like I do with jazz, I will definitely play it.