The Contemporary Jazz Lovers and Concerts Place

Jeff Kashiwa's PLAY CD

2007-10-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

For those Epicureans out there, this CD is for you. Listening to this CD is a journey taking you through modes of contentment, intrigue, pleasure, inspiring action, and at other times sending a message to be still for the moment to take in the vibe you’re giving your attention to.

Making a connection with your spirit, you will experience grooves that have delectable textures. For example, the track ‘So Many Ways’ will take you where you wanna go and when you get back you’ll wanna go there again. ‘Movin’ Up’ with it’s energetic hook will not let you go until you make up your mind to act on what you’ve been aspiring to do for a long time.

You definitely will not regret investing in this record but don’t just take my word…go on and find out for yourself!

NEW CD Release Time

2006-07-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Oli Silk
So Many Ways

August 1st

Dino Soldo
Artistry

August 1st

FourPlay
X

August 8th

Greg Adams
Cool to the Touch

August 15th

Doc Powell
DP

August 22nd

Lee Ritenour
Smoke 'N Mirrors

August 22nd

Hot New CD's Upcoming for June

2006-05-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

Zero 7
The Garden
June 6th

Alan Hewitt
Metropolis
June 6th

Shilts
HeadBoppin
June 6th

Wayman Tisdale
Way Up!
June 27th

Bobby Lyle
Hands On
June 27th

David Benoit
Full Circle
June 27th

Michael Franks
Rendezvous is Rio
June 27th

Turning Up the BASS with KT Tyler

2006-04-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

KT at Jazz Alley

The phrase “turn up the bass” sounds oh so familiar growing up listening to my favorite artists on the radio in the car or even the stereo at home. To the high applauds of many, this is exactly what happens every time this awesome bass guitar player, KT Tyler, hits the stage. Yes, he turns up the bass to add that “umph” to a tune whether it is rnb, funk or jazz.

If you have heard of Fats Domino, Grover Washington, Jr., the Staples Singers, Maceo Parker, Chaka Khan, Harry Connick, Jr., Roy Ayers, Everett Harp, or Kenny Loggins you may very well have heard Mr. Tyler kick up his bass sound. Having travelled and performed in every contiguous state in the USA and abroad, KT has performed with the best in the music industry across genre lines while never letting up off his bass!

Steve Oliver & KT at Jazz Alley

With 30 years of professional music experience it’s not surprising that he is currently on tour with a phenomenal contemporary jazz vocalist & guitarist, Steve Oliver as well as one of my most favorite sax jazz artist, Paul Taylor!

Paul Taylor & KT at Catalina Jazz Fest

KT’s beginnings in music began as a youngster in Chicago taking violin lessons for two years from his violin instructor whom he had a crush on. However, she eventually married and moved to Italy! Oh well, life does go on and surely it did with KT. While visiting a relative, he happed up on an idle bass guitar absent of it’s owner due to a band meeting elsewhere in the home. While no one was present in the room, KT picked up that instrument and without a single lesson he played the bass line to a well known tune by the O’Jays, ‘Money, Money, Money’! Resonating throughout the house, his natural talent on the bass landed him in a talent show at his school as a bass player receiving his first standing ovation after playing "I Can See Clearly Now”!

Like the saying goes "the rest is history"… Today he now says, “No one really inspired me…I LOVE music…I really love what I do for a living….there is a drive to continually advance in the business” and to “make people happy…that’s really what it’s all about”.

Scott Ambush, KT, & Malcolm Jamal-Warner
at a NAMM Show in Anaheim

For more information about KT’s upcoming performances and tours, visit:
Paul Taylor Site or Steve Oliver Site

Cool Jazz Artists in Fox's American Idol Bands

2006-03-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Maybe some of you who are AI television viewers have noticed some awesome contemporary jazz artists playing LIVE in the AI bands.

Notable greats such as guitarist,

Paul Jackson, Jr.

and sax player

Gerald Albright

have been performing recently as AI finalists sing to win votes from fans to stay in the running from week to week. For the last four seasons, Paul Jackson Jr has been involved with AI.

Also, an eye opener for me was when I even saw Randy Jackson
(one of AI’s judges) jamming on his bass guitar at the
48^th Annual Grammy Awards
as many other artists performed.

JVC Jazz Festival

2006-03-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

The highly acclaimed JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL celebrates 23 years of presenting outstanding musical performances by legendary artists from around the world.

The 2006 JVC Jazz Festival will run from May through October 2006 and feature a diverse musical mix from legendary performers appearing in cities throughout the U.S. and around the world.

As the proud sponsor, JVC has helped this venerable and immensely popular event become a global celebration of extraordinary music, drawing renowned performers that have entertained an audience of over 3.5 million people worldwide. This year’s JVC Jazz Festival will bring live jazz to audiences in New York, Newport (RI), Miami Beach, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area, Chicago, Paris, The Hague and Warsaw.

JVC’s longstanding involvement with jazz stems from the company’s audio industry heritage, which began in 1927 with the production of records and gramophones. JVC has since grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics products, supplying the world with state-of-the-art audio and video components, including a full range of digital home theater and high definition video products.

The JVC Jazz Festival made its debut in 1984 when JVC teamed up with jazz impresario George Wein to create an event that for the past 21 years has been a driving force behind the growing popularity of jazz around the world.

“The JVC Jazz Festival allows people worldwide to enjoy great live music by some of the world’s most talented artists,” said Craig Geiger, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer for JVC Company of America. “Our enduring sponsorship reflects our appreciation for great music and our commitment to provide people with the means to enjoy it – whether live through the JVC Jazz Festival or through the use of our products.”

2006 JVC Jazz Festival Calendar Link

A Living Legend: Herbie Hancock

2006-03-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

Transcending the ages of time…Herbie Hancock still sounds good. Maybe some of you caught him perform on the keyboard ‘A Song for You’ during the 48th Annual Grammy awards last month. A historic moment it was while the vocals were provided by Christina Aguilera.

Born in Chicago, Herbie's roots in music began at a very early age. By the time he was eleven years of age, he performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto with Chicago’s Symphony Orchestra! His music acquired national acclaim after trumpeteer Donald Byrd discovered him and within three years of this discovery, Herbie launched his debut album ‘Takin Off’ and was subsequently invited to join the Miles Davis quintet. With numerous compositions to his credit, honors and awards even today his sound is known worldwide and is still as fresh and vibrant as it was several decades ago.

For more news on Herbie Hancock and his music visit his website here: Herbie Hancock Site

New HOT CD Releases for MARCH

2006-03-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Just Getting Started
Eric Darius
March 7th Release

The Radiant
Steve Oliver
March 21st Release

Pillow Talk
Pieces of a Dream
March 21st Release

Sweet Classic Soul
Maysa
March 28th Release

New Beginnings
Gerald Albright
March 28th Release

2006 Jazz Festivals Worldwide

2006-03-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

If you're a jazz lover like me, you're always
on the look out for a festival close to home or during your travels.
The following are website links of upcoming jazz festivals.

CLICK HERE

If you come across any festivals that aren't listed,
please drop me an email and I'll include the link as well.

Quintin Gerard W...FNKY SAX

2006-01-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

If you have heard BET's Comic View opening theme during the late 1990's - early 2000 or seen any MCI, LeviStrauss, Estee Lauder, or the Sears Kenmore TV commericals, you may have gotten a glimpse of the musical talent of sax player Quintin Gerard W.

Along with his success via the tv medium, this artist has performed with some of the greatest in contemporary jazz such as Joe Sample, Jeff Lorber, Kenny Garrett, Najee, Dave Koz, Ron Brown, and Hollis Gentry III.

I recently became acquainted with Quintin upon receiving a copy of his debut album entitled Fnkysax in the mail. If you enjoy a nice mix of urban, jazz & rnb, you will find a lot of pleasure listening to this cd. The track 'Road Games' is my favorite jam on this cd but I also enjoy listening to 'Smooth Jazz Flavor' and the 'Opportunity' radio edit track quite a bit!

For more information about Quintin and his music, you will want to visit his website here => Quintin Gerard W

Happy 2006!!

2005-12-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

Cool Times with Walter Beasley!

2005-12-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

In the late 90’s I became acquainted with the music of a phenomenal contemporary jazz sax artist with songs such as ‘For Your Pleasure’, ‘I Feel You’ and my favorite ‘From this Moment On’. Today, this artist has at least a dozen albums to his credit and his music finds itself on the top of Billboard as well as other smooth jazz music charts. He also travels on tours as a musician and as a music consultant to well known recording artists. Walter has many other noteworthy accomplishments that are well deserving of accolades.

Anyway, I had the wonderful opportunity of receiving a phone call from this awesome sax player one evening recently and this opportunity led to a most enjoyable interview with him about his music, his past music experiences and how his life experiences inspire his signature sound that I personally enjoy listening to. Not only I but numerous others love his sound which contributes to hearing new and other tunes he recorded a few years ago on the contemporary jazz radio airwaves.

The following dialog is from the recent interview I had with Mr. Beasley. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.

~~~

Missy: First of all, I want to take this moment to thank you for taking time out for this.

Walter B.: It is my pleasure.

Missy: :D

Missy: What is the inspiration behind your latest For Her cd?

Walter B.: I was going back to an old girlfriend. I really wanted it to work but sometimes good intentions bring out good music but they don't really change the people involved. So we broke up after I wrote the first song which was called for her.

Walter B.: Then I had a real problem. I was blessed to meet someone six months later and wrote the rest of the album while seeing her. The album goes through my thoughts and feelings during that period.

Missy: Oh ok.

Missy: ...so your inspirations come from life experiences and relationships...I can understand that. Does it always come that way or do you wake up in the middle of the night with a phrase in your head?

Walter B.: When I wake up in the middle of the night I'm just pissed not motivated.

Missy: lol

Missy: Inspirations come different ways to different people I guess huh?

Walter B.: When I was younger ideas would wake me up. Now I just sleep through them.

Missy: So licks and phrases never come to you out of the blue?

Walter B.: Songs write themselves. They come to me as they come.

Missy: The same for the song ‘Coolness’?

Walter B.: James Lloyd of 'Pieces of a Dream' wrote that song.

Walter B.: Yep, they come out of a blue sky when I'm awake. I have trained myself to do my best during daylight hours.

Missy: By the way, congratulations on how ‘Coolness’ is doing on the charts...Last I checked: #3 on r&r smooth jazz & #1 on live365.com.

Walter B.: Thanks.

Walter B.: My girlfriend expects me do other types of work at night.

Missy: lol, I’m sure...I know about expectations... :P

Walter B.: :D

Missy: You have an interesting history. I had no idea that you were a college professor. How do you manage that along with your music career performing and recording, touring, and travels? It's amazing you have time for a girl friend...

Walter B.: Yep. I have taught at Berklee College for 20 years and I have educational DVD’s I sell on my website to people in need of some help who might not be able to afford it.

Missy: That's awesome and I know first hand that your material is excellent.

Walter B.: Sister you gonna have to slow down you know this high tech stuff is kicking my behind.

Missy: lol, ok I’ll be......v-e-r-y......s-l-o-w . You know you are very funny but sometimes I get the feeling that you are not trying to be...

Walter B.: LOL. No, I am crazy and have learned to be a bit lighter. This is my attitude towards life and music.

Missy: Now, I would say that's 'Coolness'..

Walter B.: My girlfriend is happy that I am happy. This is a first for me. She knows that nobody has ever sold as many records as I have as a full-time professor so she helps me to do what needs to be done. She is a blessing.

Missy: Sounds like a Godsend to me...I hope things work out between the two of you...

Walter B.: Me too.

Missy: How did the title "Coolness" come about?

Walter B.: James Lloyd, the songwriter, always says it when he is ending a conversation so I told him we should call it that.

Missy: You now have 12 cd's to your credit with the first being released shortly after you graduated from college, right?

Walter B.: Yes. I have been very fortunate and very busy now. I pick and choose when I want to tour, record and teach. My life is crazy and wonderful.

Missy: I’m very impressed...that's the way you want things I’m sure. Also, to me seems like you were in the right place at the right time to get that 1st cd out so soon upon graduating. I’m wondering how that happened so fast.

Walter B.: I played the sax for 14 years and sang for 10 before my first record. I played in Latin bands, funk bands, jazz bands, and recorded hundreds of demos.

Missy: Well, your hard work and experience has paid off as your songs are a frequent on top 20 billboard charts. I was first introduced to your music with the 'For Your Pleasure' cd...my favorite still is 'From this Moment On'...really tight to listen to while driving.

Missy: Now, I read you sang in Spanish? Don't hear a brotha’ singing in Spanish everyday!

Walter B.: In Cali it was my calling card. I played with some Latin brothers in a group called Los Elegantes. I sang in Spanish and kind of freaked people out. It was great fun and I learned much about respecting other cultures.

Missy: By the way, I'm listening to your song ‘Let's Ride’...it's jammin...dang!

Walter B.: That's my track. I love that one.

Missy: I do too...My other favorites are ‘She's all That’, ‘Playtime’, ‘Don't Say Goodnight’, ‘Remember When’ & ‘Grace’...dang that's almost the whole cd huh? LOL

Walter B.: Lol, I like all those. ‘Grace’ is my favorite slow song.

Missy: Your vocals seemed to have evolved since the ‘For Your Pleasure’ cd.

Walter B.: I love to tell stories. I have an educational DVD coming out in February that deals with young singers just trying to tell good stories. I think it’s a lost art. I am thankful to have a pretty decent voice and even more thankful for good stories. I teach more voice at Berklee than sax...It’s strange.

Missy: Cool about the new DVD and that is interesting that voice is the main thing at Berklee. Hmm... but I think you have more than a decent voice...that song ‘Don't Say Goodnight’ is something else... I’m sure your girl likes that one!

Walter B.: I have accomplished so much and feel I am peaking. Hope to continue for a bit longer.

Missy: Your music is fresh...I mean I can play it over and over and it's still fresh...that's saying a lot about your talent.

Walter B.: Thanks so much.

Missy: Walter, any further comments before we close?

Walter B.: Just want to thank you for the opportunity and thanks to all who continue to support. Come over to the website www.walterbeasley.com and get some music, some info and love your life.

Walter B.: Thanks so much this was fun.

Missy: Yes, this was fun...any plans to tour TX area?

Walter B.: Not yet. Hopefully, before it gets too hot.

Missy: For real.
Good nite and sweet dreams...Adios

Walter B.: Buenas noches.

~~~

Check out Walter's latest cd
'For Her'
…it’s absolutely wonderful!

A Soulful Vocalist - Marilyn Scott!

2005-11-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

I was recently contacted by a publicist of a smooth jazz vocalist named Marilyn Scott. With 10 albums to her credit, Marilyn recently released a new cd this year entitled "Handpicked" and I had the wonderful opportunity of listening to the entire cd as it was graciously sent to me by the artist’s publicist. Indeed, I am so grateful because I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the smooth, soulful voice of this jazz artist. The title of this album is appropriate as Marilyn actually handpicked these 16 tracks from a vast selection from her 10 years of recordings thus far.

I’m really not surprised that this cd appeals to me as she has worked with other musical talents that I adore such as George Duke on "Starting to Fall", “The Look of Love” and “I’m Calling You” tracks. It is also important to note that the arrangement of this “The Look of Love” on this cd was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Arrangement category back in 1997. Marilyn has also worked with other great musicians and/or vocalists such as Patrice Rushen, Brenda Russell, Layla Hathaway, Spyro Gyra amongst others.

The track “The Last Day” is very moving as it causes you to look at the important things in life and inspires you to give your best shot for ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment. One of my favorite tracks on this cd is “Understanding Love” because it takes you on a journey to make some sense of love and the way it affect the feelings and actions. There is no need to only take make word for it but you can find out first hand for yourself that this cd may just may take you places you want to go. Personally, I love it and hope to see her perform LIVE somewhere soon!

Concert/Festival Photos

2005-11-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

Paul Taylor with His Band

This has been a great year of funk and contemporary jazz concerts and festivals. When I attend these musical events, it is my attempt to capture some exciting moments through photos.

I have such fun times and memories travelling here and there to see and hear some of the finest in comtemporary jazz jam. Definitely a party whether it's an outdoor event or "Nightlife" event. It's really all about having a good time while supporting the wonderful artists out there who love their work and love sharing with those that come out!

The following are just a few photos of many I have of artists, friends, & me at various events within the last year or so. Hope you enjoy viewing my photos as I had a blast taking them and being there getting my groove on! More photos to come.

Paul Jackson Jr.

Paul Jackson Jr & Me

Dazz Band Vocalist

Me and Friend

Joe McBride

Joe McBride and Me

Marion Meadows

Marion Meadows and Me

Marion Meadows

Paul Taylor and Me

Paul Taylor and Gerald Albright

Me and friends

Ronnie Jordan

Paul Taylor & Me

Con Funk Shun

Paul Taylor

Still Remembering Luther...

2005-11-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

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LIVE Performances at Annual Catalina Jazz Festival Honoring LUTHER VANDROSS

2005-10-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

(Kirk Whalum - Awesomely Performs)

I had the opportunity to attend the last show of the 2005 Catalina Island Jazz Festival honoring the music contributions of Luther Vandross. It was simply a joy to be at the historic Catalina Island ballroom. Even though my native state is California as I did grow up in the bay area and lived in southern california for numerous years, I just never really seriously considered visiting this island which is just an hour boat trip from the LA harbor. This hilly and romantically beautiful island is definitely a mini tourist excursion from the main land offering many places to stay, shop & eat.

As we approached and entered the ballroom, the detailed architecture of the edifice could not be ignored with all the detailed external and internal visual embellishments…words couldn’t really accurate describe the beauty of it along with ambiance that fills the place and surroundings.

The artists line-up for this particlar show included: Mindi Abair, Paul Jackson Jr, Layla Hathaway, & Kirk Whalum with Rex Rideout being the music director! Everyone did an outstanding job with Luther’s recordings. I’ve seen Paul Jackson perform numerous times which was always a treat but I never saw Layla perform. Her deep resonating voice tones are so eloquently presented and I could even hear in a way her father, the late Donny Hathaway in her style.

Mindi Abair performance was great as well. She has an energetic manner of playing and her style is similar to Dave Koz to me. Now Kirk Whalum played and poured his heart out as he performed. I mean his whole being went into every song that he performed. Awesome.

The icing on the cake was to see and hear Rex Rideout perform. I’ve heard so many of his songs he has either co-written or produced of others whether it be a big screen movie, tv commercial or artists including his work with Luther Vandross. It was indeed a special treat to see him perform on the keyboard with all of his zeal and passion while he functioned as the onstage music director that evening. I was honored to meet him as well when exiting the boat back to the main land from Catalina Island!!

Now I know that I haven’t mentioned any song titles but I would rather you hear the performance yourself as the promoters of the festival will make sound tracks available of the performance online again. When I find out when these tracks are available, I wil make it a point to post it.

Catalina Island Jazz Festival

2005-10-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

(10/14/05 - 10/16/05)
Final Festival Weekend

Click Here
LIVE WEB CAM

(LIVE showtimes are pacific standard time)
streamed jazz trax radio programming between shows

ARTIST LINE UP

FRIDAY 7:30 P.M., OCT. 14


	CAMIEL			EVERETTE HARP

SATURDAY NOON, OCT. 15


	TIM BOWMAN Guitarist			STEVE COLE Saxophonist

SATURDAY 7 P.M.


	Gregg Karukas			The Rippingtons

SUNDAY NOON, OCT. 16
Luis Villegas

SAX PACK with


Kim Waters		Marion Meadows

	Jeff Kashiwa

SUNDAY 7 P.M.
BONA FIDE

Grammy Nominated
FOREVER FOR ALWAYS
FOR LUTHER’
Smooth Jazz Tribute to the Songs of Luther Vandross with

Kirk Whalum

Lalah Hathaway

Paul
Jackson, Jr.

Mindi Abair

~~~

(10/7/05 - 10/9/05)
Weekend Performances
ARTIST LINE UP

FRIDAY 7:30 P.M., OCT. 7
Paul Brown
Mindi Abair

SATURDAY NOON, OCT. 8

Nils
THE TRIAD TOUR

starring
Steve Oliver
Gerald Veasley
Michael Paulo

SATURDAY 7 P.M.
O'2L
Najee
SUNDAY NOON, OCT. 9
Eric Darius

Pieces of a Dream

SUNDAY 7 P.M.
Camiel
Bobby Caldwell

Remembering MARVIN GAYE...

2005-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

I grew up listening to many of Marvin Gaye tunes. Back in the day, there are many wonderful memories I have of songs like, What's Going On, I Want You, Let's Get It On, Sexual Healing, Distant Lover, and Got to Give it Up. His music touched millions of lives and still does today with a host of his songs being featured covered tracks by artists of varied genres. Even Marvin's Inner City Blues track is a covered album title of my favorite contemporary jazz guitar artist, Doc Powell.

A biography of Marvin Gaye was discovered online at www.history-of-rock.com. I have included a portion of that biography below.

~~~

Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. (the e was added later) was born April 2, 1939 in Washington D.C. His father was a preacher with the obscure House of God and the two often clashed. He had a brother Frankie and sisters jeanne and Zeola (Sweetsie). Gaye was three years old when he began singing in his father's church choir and was soon playing the organ and drums, too. Gaye returned to his hometown of Washington, D.C. and started signing in streetcorner doo wop group The Rainbows.. In 1957 he formed his own group the Marquees. Backed by Bo Diddley, they recorded "Wyatt Earp" for the Okeh label. In 1958, Harvey Fuqua hired the Marquees to be the latest version of the Moonglows, his backing group. However the group soon broke up and Fuqua moved to Detroit to form Tri-Phi Records with his girlfriend Gwen Gordy, bringing Marvin with them.

It was Gwen that introduced Gaye to her brother Berry at Motown's 1960 Christmas party. Soon Gaye was signed to his new Motown Tamla label in 1961. Gaye started as a session drummer at Motown , playing on all the early hits by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
"Stubborn Kind of Fellow" Gaye's fourth single, was his first hit in 1962. Over the next ten years working with nearly every producer at Motown, including Holland-Dozier-Holland, Smokey Robinson, and Norman Whitfield, Gaye had over twenty hits. Specializing in mid-tempo ballads, he also had dance hits: "Hitch Hike," (#30, 1963), "Can I Get a Witness" (#22, 1963), and "Baby Don't Do It" (#27, 1964).

Gaye favored romantic and sometimes sensual ballads and felt that his desire to move into a more mainstream, sophisticated style was hampered by Motown's demand for hits. For a singer as unenthusiastic as Gaye later claimed to be, he gave almost every song an inspired reading. His Top Ten Hits include "Pride and Joy," (#10, 1963), "I'll Be Doggone" (#8, 1965), "Ain't That Peculiar" (#8, 1965), and "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You" (#6, 1965). Among his other thirty nine Top Forty singles of this period were "Try It Baby" (#15, 1964) with background vocals by the Temptations, "You're A Wonderful One" (#15, 1964, with backing vocals by the Supremes).

In 1964, Gaye did duets with Mary Wells "Once Upon a Time (#19, 1964) and "What's the Matter With You" (#17, 1964) and Kim Weston for "It Takes Two" (#17, 1967). However, his greatest duets were with Tammi Terrell: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (#19, 1967), "Your Precious Love" (#5, 1967), "Nothing Like the Real Thing" (#8, 1968), and "You're All I Need to Get By" (#7, 1968) all written and produced by Ashford and Simpson. In 1967 concert, Terrell collapsed into his arms on stage, the first signs of a brain tumor that would kill her three years later. Gaye had his biggest hit of the Sixties with "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (#1, 1968).

The second phase of Gaye's career began in 1971 with "What's Going On". One of Motown's first artist to have complete artistic control over his records. "What's Going On" was a self-composed and produced song cycle that could be called a concept album. The album hit number six and produced three Top Ten Singles: "What's Going On" (2, 1971), "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler" (#9, 1971, and "Mercy Mercy Me (the Ecology)" (#19, 1974), but the project was one of the many things Gaye did with Motown that he felt was forced upon him. In 1977, he had a #1 hit, "Got to Give It Up, Part 1."

Gaye to move to Europe to record his 1981 release, In Our Lifetimes, which concentrated on his philosophies of love, art, and death. In 1982 he left Motown for Columbia. His first Columbia album Midnight Love sold two million copies and included Sexual Healing" which won a 1982 Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. The instrumental version of Marvin's Sexual Healing was the grammy winner for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. He sang live at the Grammy broadcast and in 1983, in concert at the Radio City Music Hall. Also in 1983, he appeared in one of the more memorable segments of the Motown 25th anniversary television special.

He moved back to the U.S. and into his parents home. where he often quarreled with is father who he had been at odds with since his teenage years. Sadly, his father shot & killed him following a Sunday morning shouting match April 1, 1984. After his death Columbia and Motown collaborated to produce Dream of a Lifetime and Romantically Yours, both based on unfinished recordings from the Sexual Healing sessions. Marvin Gaye inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1987. In 1992, his daughter Nona launched her own recording career on Third Stone Records. Motown issued a tribute album to Marvin Gaye in 1995.

Thanks, Marvin for sharing your gifts and talent to the world and for ALL the great songs you have written and recorded that even today we still listen to and enjoy and will continue to.

Rest in peace Marvin...

Jazz Violinist Regina Carter Performer Extraordinaire!

2005-09-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

High accolades to Regina Carter's exquisite expression of jazz on the violin. I was taken in by her awesome stage presence and performance to the point that I was in tears because my heart was deeply touched. Her grandeur performance was so personal to me because the violin was the first instrument I was formally trained as a youngster. I recall years and years of studies, practice, rehearsals, performances from elementary through high school.

Violinists are known mainly to perform in a highly structured, sheet music environment. This wasn't the case at this concert but this was an adventure that took every listener into another dimension that shifts the paradigm of those that associate a violin in a classical ensemble with overtures, minuets, and numbered movements.

Ultimate improvisation was clearly heard and felt as this violinist extraordinaire poured herself out from within the core of her being. Swinging her violin was done with passion with the bow soaring back and forth across this 4-stringed instrument was fascinating to behold. I'm even more inspired than ever to continue my music theory studies focusing on improv and contemporary jazz more than ever now!

For anyone, who hasn't seen Regina perform, I highly recommend you attend one of her concerts accompanied with her 4-bandmember team. I guarantee you won't be disappointed but will gain an added appreciation for the expression of jazz with this totally LIVE stringed instrument performed by this fascinating jazz artist!

LIVE Hot Cuban Jazz with Eddie Palmieri!!

2005-09-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

I recently enjoyed myself while watching and listening to this great bandleader for the first time who among many music recognitions also holds seven Grammy Awards with his first being within the Best Latin Album category!

At a young age he was influenced mostly by jazz, latin, & afro-carribean music but also says that Cuban music provides him with the fundamentals from which he never moves or alters his course. As a man of short stature, he performs many of his songs onstage at the piano while standing but he offers the audience great zeal, excitement & enthusiasm about his wonderfully energetic & spiced up music.

We, in the audience, at his urging willingly gave great support with the latin flavored rhythmic hand clap to accompany his 5-piece percussion & horn playing band members. The audience participation elevated this LIVE salsa experience to a degree that I believe everyone had an added pep in their step that night!!!

An "Exotica" Island Love Story

2005-09-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

The following story was written by me June 2004 and inspired from a few titles of songs recorded by contemporary jazz saxophone artist, Paul Taylor.

***

Not long ago, there was a young maiden from the "Exotica" island near the "Enchanted Garden" of the South Pacific. This island looked rather small from an "Aerial" view but down below it was an oasis of tropical delights with exotic fruits, vegetation, springs with waterfalls, beaches and floral scents everywhere.

The young maiden lived within a small village of beautiful people amidst other villages that "Thrive" on making their island a "Dream Come True" away from home communal to those that "Come Over" from far away places. The "Allure" of this island was also a frequent "Till We Meet Again" and "Runaway" place for the "Pleasure Seeker" at heart. It was common to see couples together in an "Hypnotic", "Dream State", sliding through a "Velvet Rope" whispering sweet somethings to each other with "Sunshine" smiles aglow and "My Love" thoughts in their hearts.

Because the young maiden was very amorous toward the beauty of nature, she had a tendency to "Fade Away", "Deeper" into the island springs and she just loved to "Free Fall" into the flowing showers of the island's "Real Surreal" waterfalls. After coming out of her "Dream State" she begins to realize that she has a "Long Way Home". She thinks to herself…I don't mind it at all and continues "Movin' On" her long journey back home.

One particular day as she is out on her adventurous journey, she comes upon a clear blue water spring. As she kneels and looks intently into this pool of blue as if it were a "Looking Glass" she has the strongest feeling in her heart and hears these words, "Someone Watching Over You". These words woo her and capture her senses so intensely that she holds her breath for a second and then listens intently and hears this time the words the "Time Is Now".

She knows within her exactly what this means. So she stands and listens again intently and she hears a song "On the Horn". A song she has heard many a times in her dreams. A song, she says of my "My Love" beckoning me. She hears him howling with a loud yell from the west and hears the sound of his horn, so she turns toward his sound. She hears the strong rhythm of his heart and his song (the cry of his heart) "Looking for Eve" so she turns and follows his heart and the sound of his song for she says in her heart, Oh how I long to be "Alone with You". He cries out again for his Eve and blows his horn…and she continues to follow his sound and his heart. As he begins to sense his Eve drawing near to him and he sees her coming, he watches her very intently "Undercover", listening to his own heart as he watches her every step & her every move…and he is pleased by her and his heart smiles and is glad.

As they come face to face and heart to heart for the first time, they begin speaking heart to heart "I Want Your Love" with their eyes…through the window of their soul… and as they walk through life together, they enjoy each other through "Groove Zone" because they both love to groove. They also both reveal their romantic heart tendencies to one another during their own private "Twilight Ride" and then again "When the Morning Comes" at the "Summer Park" with warm syrup made from "Raw Sugar".

One late "Tuesday Afternoon" while riding in a "PT Cruiser", they saw a port on the other side of the "Cantina" near the "Hacienda" and decided to take love "Flight 808", to another "Enchanted Garden". Their flight arrives just in time for a beautiful view of a sun setting beach of which the onset brings on those "Deeper", intimate longings they have for one another.

So they live happily ever after doing all the things that bring them longevity and wealth, being lavished in each other's love always and forever.

Doc Powell at Jazz In the Spirit Concert!

2005-09-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

I was wonderfully excited to learn that contemporary jazz guitarist, Doc Powell would be performing shortly after my flight arrived in Los Angeles on Friday, Sept 2nd. It seems that for the past year I've wanted to see this artist perform but either he would be somewhere I couldn't be or I would just miss him perform in a city by one week or something like that. Earlier this year, in May, I thought these missing out episodes would change but I couldn't believe that inclement weather was the reason an outdoor, already purchased tickets concert event featuring Doc Powell as well as other great artists such as George Duke, Marion Meadows, Roy Ayers was cancelled.
I was like...oh well...life goes on.

Life does go on but within 4 months I did finally hear and see him perform and I truly enjoyed every moment as not only does his music sound so good but he is one with each song he plays with his own unique style of head motions. I raved when I heard "We'll Make It Last" track from his Inner City Blues CD at this recent LIVE show. Awesome song and awesome CD but on his Cool Like That CD, my favorite tracks are Hatujambo and Push.

Doc Powell's has worked with many rnb icons such as Aretha Franklin, Jeffrey Osborne as well as Grover Washington, Jr., but he gained his first international exposure and recognition while touring with the late Luther Vandross back in the 80's & 90's. His delicate guitar riffs are heard in songs by Luther such as Forever, For Always, For Love; Busy Body; The Night I Fell In Love; Give Me The Reason; and with the Stop To Love track he has this cool "Rock It" groove going.

Solo CD's to his credit include:

97th & Columbus
Life Changes
Inner City Blues
Laid Back
Cool Like That
I Claim the Victory

Word's out that he is working on another recording project that will be released soon!

Catalina Island Jazz Festival Tickets!!!

2005-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Just received my tickets for the last day at the 2005 Catalina Jazz Trax Festival!!

I've never have been to this festival but a few individuals have shared good things about this event with me. I've heard it's about 45 minute boat excursion away from the Los Angeles Harbor. A mini getaway so to speak away from the hustle-bustle lifestyle that can be experienced every day that I have been so accustomed to. Hey, I'm ready for this jazz trax getaway!

As many may recall, we were all disheartened and saddened about the passing of Luther Vandross but my heart smiled after I heard that the last show of this festival will be highlighted with a tribute honoring Luther and his numerous songs and love ballads he has so blessed us with. Just earlier today, I was listening to one of his ballads entitled "So Amazing" and it still sounds so fresh and soothing as ever like it did when I heard it for the very first time. Luther's music will truly live on in our hearts.

Rest in peace Luther! FOREVER FOR ALWAYS FOR LUTHER...

If anyone is interested in more details about the Catalina Island Jazz Festival and the performing artists, please see the side bar link referencing this event. I'm sure I'll share more about my Catalina Island jazz concert adventure later. I heard that even the legendary Grover Washington, Jr. performed at this very festival years ago.

JUST RIGHT Radio is Jammin...

2005-08-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

For your contemporary jazz listening pleasure, check out the JUST RIGHT link!

2 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Oh Yeah, my favorite DJ Billy G, I listen to just Right Radio. I listen while I'm reviewing a new case for work or one tht I have completed. After all day of listening to attorneys' motion and objection I go home and turn on Live 365 Just Right with Billy G. The music is relaxing while working on my rulings. Bliiy G Just Right station has introduced me to some gret artists as well. Right on Billy G you know what's going on. Missy you're right "Just Right Radio is Jammin"

Peace & Love
Janet; 2:29 PM
missy said...: hi janet,
i'm liking the cool jazz as well as the reggae too! the most favorite of course are the paul taylor tracks ... but i'm also checking his mix with the ripps, walter beasley, doc powell, boy katindig, etc., etc. the lists goes on and on and on..

much success to JUST RIGHT radio!!!; 2:55 PM

Stress Ridden?

2005-08-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

I heard something very interesting on the radio this morning about stress. It was said that those who play or practice on musical instruments compared to those that don't play musical instruments have no or a lesser degree of stress.

I actually heard contemporary jazz artist, Dave Koz and another LA radio station host discuss this. If this is really true as the "experts" say, we need more people opening those old instrument cases and start blowing that horn, strumming those guitar strings, banging on that tamborine or playing on whatever instrument it takes to get rid of stress.

I know I'm happy & stress free when I'm playing music! Something to think about.

8 Comments:

missy said...: got your blog acceptance reply saxymandi. thanks so much girl!!!; 5:01 AM
saxymandi said...: Well.
does this mean im in????????
That happened easy!
Testing........
mandi; 8:28 PM
saxymandi said...: Its working!
This is really neat Missy!
Thanks much for including me!
Mandi; 8:29 PM
missy said...: cool blogging mandi!!!
isn't this fun, fun, fun? :D; 9:32 PM
saxymandi said...: Hmm ..Missy, i for 1 dont always have a sressfree pracice.
If im trying to get something memorized and i did have it a few days before..but somehow ,somewhere it is up & gone from my head , i tend to getlow on patience.
I also just get zapped of energy at times..brain dead...
Does this happen to anyone else?
It has just happened!
I;ll tackle it again.
mandi; 2:19 PM
missy said...: i think i know what you're talking about mandi. it's stress free when you're just playing around having fun... but when i'm working on a specific phrase i'm trying to get down and i hit the wrong note...i'm like come on missy you can do this girl...and i'll go over it as many times as it takes to get it just right. then when i get it down the way i want it to sound...it's all good again! :); 2:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Missy,

Yes, I think playing music is a good way to relieve stress! Take out you instrument and play on.

The Mad Scientist; 6:54 PM
missy said...: hi mad scientist

yea, that's the spirit...play on! :D

cool seeing your post here!!; 11:10 PM

Launching Out Into the World of Blog!!!

2005-08-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hey...

My first blog post. Definitely something new for me to do. I'm all for something new and exciting...especially if it's promoting something I like and it gives me thrills.

One of my latest thrills was attending a jazz concert in Milwaukee. Great meeting friends there. We all had a blast at two LIVE
Paul Taylor concert shows.

Next stop? Southern California beginning the first weekend of September. So many choices: Soul Ballet, Jeffrey Osborne, Euge Groove, Bob Baldwin, Spyro Gyra and The Braxton Brothers. Out of these group of artists, I've only seen Jeffrey perform LIVE.

11 Comments:

CJ said...: the site looks nice; 10:05 PM
Friendgirl1 said...: Wow, I'm new to this world of blog but what a cool idea & site!; 11:04 PM
missy said...: cool posts from cool people. wonderful!!; 4:56 AM
missy said...: got your nice blog comment, leilani.
thank you much! this blog thing is a new venture for me. i'm kinda getting the hang of this and liking it too.

aloha...i wanna visit hawaii again. :)
been too long.; 6:38 AM
ptsax said...: hey missy, nice blog! thanks for blogging me too. very cool.; 1:31 PM
ptsax said...: hey missy, nice blog! thanks for blogging me getting started.; 1:32 PM
missy said...: no problemo, ptsax.
you're welcome up in here any time!

i think we got our blog on!!! :D; 9:38 PM
saxymandi said...: when did this blog idea evolve?
never heard of it until our very own saxman..; 8:09 PM
missy said...: 1st post was sunday, august 21st. so that was just 3 days ago.; 8:54 PM
jbk said...: Missy your blog is great.
I'm getting the hang of it how to post.; 2:36 PM