SOMI - THE LAGOS MUSIC SALON - NEW AFRICAN AND SOUL INSPIRED BY A JOURNEY TO LAGOS, NIGERIA

Few contemporary albums bare as particular a narrative as The Lagos Music Salon. The new album by the superb chanteuse Somi, finds her breaking new ground with a hybrid style of music that organically integrates the essence of jazz and soul with the musical depth of her African heritage. "It's the first time ever that I put all other pursuits on hold to focus solely on the creative process," says Somi, who decided to move to Lagos, Nigeria from her New York home base without a game plan but with a passionate desire to find a new direction for her vision and voice. 

The Lagos Music Salon marks Somi's major label debut for Sony's OKeh Records and features a range of originals that are sublimely melodic, percussively textured.  A socially informed and adventurous vocalist, Somi sings with a soulful beauty about her experiences in Lagos. While there, she kept a journal of her observations and collaborated with a community of musicians, writers and artists who helped her to envision what would become The Lagos Music Salon. 

The album covers a broad swath of styles and features a number of carefully matched guest performances. These include a fast-paced groove with Afro-pop sensibilities on the Fela Kuti-inspired "Lady Revisited" with Angelique Kidjo, and a rap-inflected cinematic reflection on Africa's pollution, "When Rivers Cry," that features Common. 

Also in the mix are field recording snippets, including an exchange at the Lagos airport with an immigration officer, heated rally cries from the Occupy Nigeria protests, and a parabolic story of an over-skilled monkey.

  

"I'm excited about this album," Somi says. "I allowed myself to abandon the boundaries of my comfort zone, but that gave me the room to explore and play with new ideas and inspiration. Some people see me as an African artist and not jazz, while others see me as a jazz artist influenced by Africa. But I'm not focused on genre. My intent is to be honest with the songs and where they take me."

  

Born in Illinois, the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda, Somi's dramatic Salon story started ironically and sadly on the release date of her 2009 album, If the Rains Come First, when her beloved father passed away.

"I had to weather the storm of his passing," Somi says. "The loss was so sobering that I began to question my own life's legacy and path. My dearest mentor Hugh Masekela knew about my personal loss and subsequent desire for change. He also knew that, more than ever, I wished I could move 'home' to Africa. Something about the idea seemed like it might be a way to get closer to my father's spirit and my own heart. It was Uncle Hugh that reminded me that to be a musician is to be a global citizen and that I should always listen to my heart should it long to travel. 'Stop thinking about it as a move,' he said, 'Think of it as an opportunity to spend time with another part of your global audience.' That's when I decided to make the bold choice of moving to Lagos. A true Africanist, I believe my father is proud of that choice."

  

While she spent part of her youth in Africa with her parents, Somi hadn't lived there since her first year out of college when she landed a medical anthropology research fellowship in Kenya and Tanzania. After frequent holiday visits and touring extensively on the continent (visiting over 12 countries with her band), Somi fell in love with Lagos, "where there's a huge volume of cultural production, including literature, film and fashion - let alone music," she says. "For an artist, it is a very exciting place. There's an energy there that reminds me of New York. Twenty million people live there-it's cosmopolitan, fast, hard and yet so inspiring."

   

While Somi's goal was to live in Lagos for 15 months she ended up being there for 18 months. She began her journey with an international teaching artist residency at a university in Ilorin, Nigeria while also doing occasional European shows to keep her career visible. After six months, Somi began to realize the impact of her choice to be in Lagos. "Initially I was a little panicked," she says. "Was I going to disappear? Would people forget about me? But after months of writing in my journal, I discovered a body of work was emerging."

   

Somi set out to work on her new material, but Lagos doesn't have the cultural infrastructure of small clubs like New York. "I needed to develop my work and test it on Nigerian audiences," says Somi. "So I started producing intimate salons at art galleries and other nontraditional venues in Lagos where I would perform my new music. It grew into a series where I'd invite local artists to perform as well. That work greatly enriched my experience, challenged me to think more about African notions of cultural intimacy, and gave birth to The Lagos Music Salon concept."

Somi accumulated a collection of music steeped in the culture of Lagos and collaborated with two colleagues who share co-producer credit with her on The Lagos Music Salon: Lagos musician Cobhams Asuquo (who happens to be blind and is impressively self-taught) and New York's Keith Witty. "Cobhams has a deep understanding of traditional African music as well as strong pop sensibilities," Somi says. "And Keith, the modern jazz head on the project, made sure the artful sense of the music was always privileged amidst the African pop influences."

In New York, they assembled Somi's core band: drummer Otis Brown III, pianist Toru Dodo, guitarist Liberty Ellman, background vocalist Alicia Olatuja, and bassist Michael Olatuja. Guests to the ensemble include acclaimed Nigerian-American trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire who blows a moving, melancholic solo through "Brown Round Things," an original lamenting the prostitutes Somi observed in Lagos; and rising-star trumpeter, Etienne Charles, who arranged the horn section for the celebratory, pop-tinged "Akobi: First Born S(u)n."

Somi weaves through the collection of captivating songs with a socio/cultural poignancy. The R&B-vibed "Two Dollar Day" tells the story of a domestic worker Somi met during the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests and who struggles because of the oil-rich government's decision to hike fuel prices 200 percent. While the provocative "Four. One. Nine." takes its name from the police criminal code for the Nigerian email swindles, Somi likens the scam to fraudulent love affairs, while a friend offers her a tongue-in-cheek reprimand about unsavory men. The most dynamic piece is the bass line-driven "Four African Women," inspired by a Nina Simone original. It's a sketch of four African women who each experienced a different hardship-genocide, skin bleaching, circumcision, prostitution. 

Other highlights include the percussive, string quartet-colored tune "Ankara Sundays," the sobering "Last Song" and the gently swinging love song "Ginger Me Slowly" about playfully telling forthright men how to romantically treat their woman. There are also two versions of the upbeat original "Love Juju." 

"Juju is African magic," Somi explains. "Throughout the album, I'm singing about the magic of Lagos and the spell it cast on my heart." 

A TED Global Fellow and also founder of the New Africa Live nonprofit that champions African artists, Somi has for the last decade carved out a career of singing and being an activist. On The Lagos Music Salon, the best album of her young career, she magically combines the two facets of her life. As for her adopted city, she says, "It was a euphoric new place for me, an important journey. I wanted to tell honest stories in the spirit of gratitude."

Upcoming Appearances:
September 16 / Blue Whale / Los Angeles, CA
September 17 / UCLA Center for Art of Performance/ Los Angeles, CA
September 18 / L.A.N.D. Salon / Los Angeles, CA
September 19 & 20 / Red Poppy Art House / San Francisco, CA
September 21 / Lucid Lounge / Seattle, WA
September 27 / University of Chicago Arts Incubator Panel / Chicago, IL
September 27 / The Listening House / Chicago, IL
October 4 / Southwest Arts Center / Atlanta, GA
October 12 / Bowery Arts & Science / New York, NY
October 16 / Brooklyn Public Library / Brooklyn, NY

NEW RELEASES: DOWN TO THE BONE- DIG IT; THIRD COAST KINGS – JUST MOVE / ICE CREAM MEAN; NICK COLIONNE - INFLUENCES

DOWN TO THE BONE- DIG IT

With millions of records sold worldwide the purveyors of sides steeped in funk and groove, DTTB, the brainchild of producer Stuart Wade swings for the fences once again with this assemblage of fresh new cuts that accentuate the fat and funky, with grooves so thick that you fall right into them. Trademark tight rhythm and horn sections provide the underbelly of all of the compositions, woven tightly with the right solos in the right places.

This franchise outfit born on the streets and in clubs of London has truly established a sound all their own and 'Dig it' again does not disappoint. It's all about the groove and nobody does it better than Wade as he takes you through this scintillating set that never lets down and will keep your head bobbin' and feet tappin'. Enlisting the help of label mate and genre star in his own right Oli Silk, the tunes take on another dimension with Silk's dynamic flair and smart solos. 'Dig it' keeps the DDTB momentum rolling right along and fans worldwide will rejoice at the thought of ten new sides to carry them and their need to move and groove into the new year and beyond. The hit radio single 'The Sweetness' hits the airwaves in February and the title suggests it all. 'Dig it' is all about the flavor, sweet to the ears, and will put a swing in your step and a stir in your soul. ~ Amazon

THIRD COAST KINGS – JUST MOVE / ICE CREAM MEAN

Limited edition Transparent 45 (500 copies worldwide). A succulent appetizer of the much awaited new album by Michigan's finest deep funk combo Third Coast Kings titled "West Grand Boulevard" coming out next 19 May. On the A side, party starter Just Move featuring the sultry Michelle "The Belle" Camilleri, calls all to the dancefloor. On the B side an exclusive 45 version of Ice Cream Man, an irresistible deep funk instrumental able to set every dancefloor on fire. Recorded in Detroit with the full band in one room, a minimum amount of effects, processing, microphones and mixed by much respected Australian funk producer Nate Goldentone (The Liberators / Dojo Cuts), West Grand Boulevard is TCK second studio album. Their 2012 self titled debut album made a global impression upon its release, the Kings were invited to Japan to perform at Fuji Rock Festival and gained fans all over the world such as Craig Charles (BBC2), Kenny Dope and Dj Muro. Now the guys are back with a mission: to carry the torch of Deep Funk heritage across the planet. Get on this 45 fast cause it's limited to 500 copies worldwide. The Kings are back!

NICK COLIONNE - INFLUENCES

Well into his third decade of making the strings sing with his very own sweet Chicago soul, guitarist Nick Colionne digs deep as he takes musical stock of the people and things that helped propel his career and fully establish his place as one of the real cats, a cat that finds connection with his audience in a way that not many can. Influences is a musical journey of self re-discovery, offering a palate of moods and flavors born of life experiences, challenges and the effect of the people past and present that have helped shape and mold his sound. Music can be the ultimate healer not only for the creator but also those of us who seek the escapism. Nick gets this and you immediately feel him from the opening strains as he provides lift with this feel good collection of new sides. His chops have never been more exacting, his melodies more exhilarating, his hooks more infectious.

Collaborating again with the great James Lloyd on 'Pieces Of A Dream' and inviting Maysa on the journey gives 'Influences' just the right amount of spice and pop, but in the end it is all about Nick as he bears his soul though this collection of musical chapters in this his latest book, one written with his strings and sings of the places he s been and the places he still has to go. The lead single Got To Keep It Moving is certain to fire up his legions of fans and find its rightful place atop the radio charts. Never one to take what he has for granted, Colionne knows he has been blessed with a great gift and he will continue to share it as he connects with his fans through live performance in 2014 and share Influences in a way that only he can.~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: RAMSEY LEWIS - COMPLETE RECORDINGS 1960-1962; FELIPE SALLES - UGANDAN SUITE; JEFF LASHWAY - REUNION

RAMSEY LEWIS - COMPLETE RECORDINGS 1960-1962

The eight albums collected on this four-disc box represent the original Ramsey Lewis Trio's (the pianist, drummer Redd Holt, and bassist Eldee Young) emergence as a popular entity on the mainstream jazz and pop scenes not only in their hometown of Chicago, but in America at large. All of these dates were originally issued by Argo. Disc one contains both Stretching Out and the grooving Ramsey Lewis Trio in Chicago (that closes with the killer reading of "C.C. Rider," foreshadowing the more driving soul-jazz-oriented sounds they'd record in the mid- to late-'60s). Disc two contains More Music from the Soil and Never On Sunday. The theme albums, Sound of Christmas, and the far more interesting Sound of Spring -- with its fine readings of "Soft Winds" and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" -- make up disc three. The final offering here contains the criminally underrated Country Meets Blues and the popular Bossa Nova, both from 1962. The good news is that this set is almost unbelievably inexpensive. The bad news is two-fold. Enlightenment is a U.K. label and therefore isn't required to pay copyright fees on material at least 50 years old. It also means that they didn't have to use master tapes as their source material: it's highly debatable as to whether these recordings were actually taken from tapes rather than vinyl LPs. You get what you pay for. The stars are for the music, not the package. ~ Thom Jurek.  By 1960 Ramsey Lewis and his Trio, while not yet the chart-toppers they would become, were among the hottest live draws on the US jazz circuit. His fortunes were set to change within a few years, but this compilation, containing eight full original albums, all delightfully remastered, illustrates conclusively what a dynamic jazz ensemble The RLT were during the early years of their career. ~ CD Universe

FELIPE SALLES - UGANDAN SUITE

Felipe Salles traveled to Uganda in 2011 where he researched traditional Ugandan music and wildlife, worked with local artists, and visited the music departments of Makerere and Kyambogo Universities. His findings served as inspiration for his sixth albu Liner Note Author: Damascus Kafumbe. Recording information: Wellspring Sound Recording Studio, Acton, MA (08/29/2013). Photographers: Felipe Salles; Mikko Naalisvaara. Arranger: Felipe Salles. Personnel: Felipe Salles (flute, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, hand claps); David Liebman (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Nando Michelin (piano, hand claps); Bertram Lehmann (drum set, hand claps); Rogerio Boccato (hand claps, percussion); Keala Kaumeheiwa, Lucas Apostoleris (hand claps); Damascus Kafumbe. Audio Mixer: Pete Rende. ~ CD Universe

JEFF LASHWAY - REUNION

Jeff Lashway, jazz legend Maynard Ferguson's final, and one of the trumpeter's favorite, pianists presents a swinging and accessible set of unique arrangements of great tunes. With a stellar lineup, including the amazing drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, trumpeter Jim Rotondi, bassist Todd Coolman and Jeff Beck//Wet Willie alumnus vocalist Jimmy Hall, Lashway's chops, taste and arranging skills are amply displayed. AllAboutJazz says: "REUNION is a terrifically entertaining, swinging, and most enjoyable CD, the music and its players shining throughout. Hopefully, Lashway and his team will reunite again soon." This is truly a joyous reunion: Lashway and Colaiuta are lifelong friends, Hall and Colaiuta toured together with Jeff Beck, Rupert was on Maynard's band with Lashway, and trombonist John Allred and Jim Rotondi were on Toshiko Akiyoki's band. Producer Scott Elias, Lashway and Colaiuta have been close friends for years; Jimmy Hall is Scott's cousin! Long overdue, this musical reunion will keep you happily listening... Enjoy. ~ CD Universe

RED HOT + BACH CHARTS A NEW PATHWAY INTO THE MUSICAL UNIVERSE OF JOHAN SEBASTIAN BACH

Through the collaboration of performers, producers, DJs and artists from around the world and across the spectrum of contemporary music, different facets of Bach's centuries-old masterpieces are transformed with fresh energy and modern virtuosity that know no limits. Red Hot + Bach is available everywhere June 17, 2014, from Sony Music Masterworks.

The creators of Red Hot + Bach embrace Bach as a living artistic force, as real and as vital today as he was when he lived (1685-1750). They range across nineteen freely imagined tracks from mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile (Nickel Creek, The Punch Brothers), singer/songwriters Gabriel Kahane and Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond), jazz legend Ron Carter, DJ/producer King Britt and the Icelandic band amiina, to imaginative classical artists such as the Kronos Quartet, composer Max Richter, violinist Daniel Hope and organ virtuoso Cameron Carpenter.

Red Hot, a not-for-profit production company, has been shaking up great music in just this way for twenty-five years, in projects that celebrated the music of geniuses as diverse as Anthony Carlos Jobim (Red Hot + Rio), Cole Porter (Red Hot + Blue), a meeting of jazz and hip-hop artists (Red Hot + Cool), Duke Ellington (Red Hot + Indigo), and Fela Kuti (Red Hot + Riot). The work of Red Hot continues to serve a social purpose – raising awareness and money in the ongoing fight to stop AIDS. For more information please visit www.redhot.org.

Red Hot + Bach is being released simultaneously with a special expanded digital edition featuring ten additional tracks, and an iPad app designed to open your eyes and ears, and lead you to discover new ways to interact with the timeless energy and beauty of Bach's music.

Track listing:

1."Minuet" (Tempo di Minuetto from Keyboard Partita No. 5, BWV 829) – Rob Moose and Chris Thile

2."Minim" (Prelude No. 2 in C Minor from The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 847) – Dustin O'Halloran

3."Jardim do Amor" (Prelude in C Minor, BWV 999) – Mia Doi Todd

4."Time Drinks Three Shots" (Prelude No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851) – Shara Worden

5."Number Man" (Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 5 in C Minor, BWV 1011) – Paul de Jong

6."The Watchmaker" (Prelude from Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009) – Stuart Bogie and Grey McMurry

7."Very Own" (Adagio from Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974) – Julianna Barwick

8."Minim" [version] (Prelude No. 2 in C Minor from The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 847) – Victor Axelrod and Dustin O'Halloran

9."Passacaglia" (Passacaglia from Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 582) – amiina

10."Contrupunctus I" (Contrupunctus I from The Art of the Fugue, BWV 1080) – Max Richter

11."Arioso" (Rearranged elements from Keyboard Preludes, BWV 921 and Sonata for Violin and Keyboard No. 5, BWV 1018) – Miguel Atwood-Ferguson

12."Air" (Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068) – Daniel Hope

13."Cello Suite No. 1" (Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007) – Ron Carter and Gary Bartz

14."Ave Maria" (Bach/Gounod setting of "Ave Maria") – King Britt

15."Ludepre" (Prelude No. 2 in C Minor from The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 847) – Franceso Tristano and Carl Craig

16."Contrapunctus II" (Contrupunctus II from The Art of the Fugue, BWV 1080) – Jeff Mills and Kronos Quartet

17."Contrupunctus II" (Contrupunctus II from The Art of the Fugue, BWV 1080) – Kronos Quartet

18."Concerto No. 5" (Largo from Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056) – Om'Mas Keith

19."Dear Goldberg" (Goldberg Variations) – Gabriel Kahane

~ Sony Music Masterworks

45TH ANNUAL 2014 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL TO AIR ON AXS TV

Celebrate the music and culture of New Orleans, as AXS TV—the country's premier destination for live music festival coverage—proudly presents the 45th Annual 2014 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. For the second-consecutive year, the network is giving viewers unprecedented access to the world-famous event, broadcasting over 24 hours of live coverage each afternoon at 3pE/12pP, from Thursday, May 1, through Sunday, May 4 with StubHub returning as the Official Broadcast Partner.

The coverage will kick-off each day with an exclusive half-hour pre-festival special, "Countdown to Jazz Fest." Entertainment expert Kristen Aldridge serves as host, exploring the unparalleled and unique atmosphere of the Festival. Joining Aldridge is TV personality Savannah Buffett, providing in-depth artist interviews and highlighting the nightlife outside of the Jazz Fest grounds. Each 'Countdown' show will air at 3pE/12pP.

An explosive lineup gets things started on Thursday, May 1, with Jason Isbell, Galactic, Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, The String Cheese Incident, and Santana. Thursday's coverage will repeat that same evening at 10pE/7pP, and Friday, May 2 at 8aE/5aP.

Then, on Friday, May 2, tune in for performances from Irma Thomas, Anders Osborne, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Marcia Ball, Vampire Weekend, and Alabama Shakes. Friday's coverage will repeat that same evening at 10pE/7pP, and Saturday, May 3 at 8aE/5aP.

Saturday, May 3, features Bonerama, Honey Island Swamp Band, Theresa Anderson, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Better Than Ezra, and Phish. Saturday's coverage will repeat that same evening at 10pE/7pP, and Sunday, May 4 at 8aE/5aP.

The weekend comes to a close on Sunday, May 4, with Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, The Revivalists, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk with special guest Art Neville, The Radiators, Arcade Fire, and John Fogerty. Sunday's coverage will repeat that same evening at 10pE/7pP, and Monday, May 5 at 3pE/12pP.

Additionally, AXS TV will deliver the ultimate interactive front-row experience with on-air prompts and exclusive shareable content, as well as social media conversations with Aldridge, Buffett, and other fans, on AXS TV's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. To receive updates and additions to the broadcast lineup, fans are encouraged to visit AXS TV's website, axs.tv, and the network's social media platforms.

Summary of AXS TV's 2014 JazzFest Lineup* (Does Not Represent Broadcast Order) *Lineup Subject To Change

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Santana

Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters

Jason Isbell

Galactic

The String Cheese Incident

Friday, May 2, 2014

Vampire Weekend

Alabama Shakes

Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys

Anders Osborne

Irma Thomas

Marcia Ball

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Phish

Theresa Anderson

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Honey Island Swamp Band

Better Than Ezra Bonerama

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Arcade Fire

John Fogerty

The Revivalists

The Radiators

Voice of the Wetlands Allstars

Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk  w/ special guest Art Neville

JONATHAN BUTLER - LIVING MY DREAM

It took a while for Jonathan Butler to feel comfortable saying it, but the South African singer-songwriter-guitarist’s confidence has grown as he celebrates what he calls “the season of me” and finally admitting that he is living his dream. He tells the story of his life and loves in the eleven original songs that “came from the heart” on his forthcoming Artistry Music album, “Living My Dream,” which will be released June 24.

Like Butler’s best material from a diverse, award-winning and chart-topping career that’s spanned R&B, jazz, pop and gospel, “Living My Dream” provides an honest and revealing soulful songbook probing the artist’s passions: God, family and his homeland. He has been taking care of others ever since he was seven years-old when he became a child star and was the first black artist played on white radio stations while growing up under Apartheid. Writing and producing gold-selling albums and international hit singles, the two-time Grammy-nominee’s entire life has unfolded in the public eye. Enduring recent struggles forced him to do a lot of reflection and ponder the type of man he wanted to be. He decided that he was finally in a place where it was time to celebrate his own extraordinary life and accomplishments.

With a much needed push from his daughter, singer-songwriter Jodie Butler, and guitarist-songwriter Dennis Dodd Jr., he wrote music every day before heading into the House of Blues recording studio in Los Angeles to record the material in a live setting “like records used to be made.” Bassist-songwriter-producer Marcus Miller co-wrote “Let There Be Light” with Butler and played on that track as well as on “Be Still,” which Butler wrote with George Duke during a 5-hour visit to the late legend’s wine cellar. Saxophonist Elan Trotman also appears on “Let There Be Light.”

“It’s one of those albums that I really didn’t think I had in me. I had been struggling, going through this emotional period. Last year was a transitional period. Once I got my wind and got back to a place of focus, it turned out to be the best experience for me. I had to be vulnerable to the songs,” said Butler about the essence of “Living My Dream.” “It’s the story of my life and the newness of discovery. These really are the best years of my life.”

Butler wrote or co-wrote ten songs for “Living My Dream,” which is a balanced blend of contemporary jazz instrumentals and R&B vocal tunes. The first radio single, “African Breeze,” is a reboot of an instrumental that he wrote 30 years ago for “The Jewel of the Nile” motion picture soundtrack. It is a brisk, energetic African-hued dancer on which Butler plucks the festive melody on nylon string guitar.

A captivating and impassioned performer, Butler will help launch “Living My Dream” during a summer concert tour at which he will share the spotlight with Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown.

Butler takes you into the recording studio and talks about recording “Living My Dream” in his EPK, which can be viewed at http://youtu.be/UFFmGWfsKkk. For more information, please visit www.JonathanButler.com.

“Living My Dream” contains the following songs:

“African Breeze”

“Living My Dream”

“Be Still”

“Let There Be Light”

“Heart and Soul”

“Song For You”

“Catembe”

“Night To Remember”

“All About Love”

“Sweet Serenade”

“A Prayer”

 

MARGIE BAKER SINGS WITH SO MANY STARS

Margie Baker Sings with So Many StarsMargie Baker's storied career as a jazz and blues vocalist started late, when she was 39, but was long encouraged by her mentor Dizzy Gillespie and eventually took her to the world stage. Though the 80-year-old Baker came even later to recording, she's on a roll now, affiliated with longtime Gillespie pianist Mike Longo's Consolidated Artists Productions (CAP) label. Her 4th CD, and third for CAP, is Margie Baker Sings with So Many Stars, and is due for release on May 20.

  

So Many Stars is a two-disc set on which Baker surrounds herself with some of the most gifted instrumentalists in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Her relaxed and swinging phrasing, warm tone, and precise enunciation inform every number, including songs by Ellington ("Come Sunday," "In a Mellow Tone," "I'm Just a Lucky So and So"), Monk ("'Round Midnight"), and Horace Silver ("Señor Blues"), as well as standards like "You've Changed," "Deed I Do," and "Lazy Afternoon."

Among her accompanists, whom she calls "Margie's musical galaxy," are pianist Shota Osabe, guitarist Rodney Jones, saxophonists Jules Broussard and Melecio Magdaluyo, bassists Harley White and Chuck Bennett, and percussionist John Santos, a sixth-grade student of Baker's when she taught in the San Francisco Unified School District.

"This is a tribute to them," says Baker of the players on the CD. "These are not egocentric, big-time musicians, but they're wonderful musicians. We work so much and so well together."

 Margie BakerMargie Baker was born October 11, 1933 "in a shack in the sticks" near Center, Texas, in Shelby County. "Black people were extremely deprived back there in those sticks," she says. "That's where I was born -- from dirt-poor, beautiful, spiritual people."

After her parents divorced, mother and daughter relocated to San Francisco at the onset of World War II. Her mother found work as a riveter at shipyards in San Francisco and Oakland, and the two lived at first in a cold-water flat in San Francisco's overwhelmingly African-American Fillmore District.

Upon graduating with honors from Girls High School at age 15, Baker a received a scholarship to the University of California Berkeley, where she spent two years before transferring to San Francisco State College and earned both bachelor's and master's degrees. Years later, she used earnings from her part-time singing career to enroll at the University of San Francisco, from which she received a Ph.D in Education. Baker moved from the classroom into school district headquarters as Director of Compensatory Education, where she oversaw the distribution of federal funds to help low-income children in reading and math.

When Dizzy Gillespie, her friend since she was a 17-year-old fashion model and a sophomore at UC Berkeley, finally heard her sing, he offered to take her on the road, but her responsibilities as a teacher, and eventually as an administrator, came first. She would, however, go on to sit in with his band when their paths crossed in Tokyo, New York City, Oakland, and San Francisco. She retired in 2004, after 48 years of service as an educator.

Baker had done very little singing in public before the guitarist at Henri's Room at the Top on the 46th floor of the San Francisco Hilton Hotel coaxed her to sit in one night. She sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Hotel magnates Conrad and Barron Hilton were in attendance and offered her a job, which she accepted. She spent the next 18 years singing at Henri's -- two nights a week during the school year, five in the summer -- as well as for special affairs at the Las Vegas Hilton, where such celebrities at Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley, and Elizabeth Taylor heard her sing. She also became a regular performer at the Monterey Jazz Festival and traveled the world with the festival's touring shows that included such jazz greats as James Moody and Richie Cole. For the past decade, Baker has sung during brunch every Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel near the San Francisco International Airport, as well as at other hotels, clubs, and churches.

As the 20 tracks on the new CD indicate, Margie Baker remains a song stylist of the first order. The only thing that has really changed is, she jokingly admits, "I don't shake my booty as much."

Baker will be appearing 6/1 at the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Hotel/San Francisco Airport in Burlingame, 5:00-10:00 pm, with many of the musicians heard on So Many Stars; and 6/14 at the Mildred Owens Concert Hall in Pacifica, 7:30 pm, with Keith Williams, piano; Jim Nichols, guitar; Michael O'Neill, tenor saxophone; Chuck Bennett, bass; and Jerry Pannone, drums. 

margiebakervocalist.com

NEW RELEASES: STEVE OLIVER - THE BEST OF SO FAR; ABDULLAH IBRAHIM - MUKASHI: ONCE UPON A TIME; THE REVELATIONS - COST OF LIVING

STEVE OLIVER - THE BEST OF SO FAR

Celebrate a milestone in the musical career of Steve Oliver. With eight albums over the last 15 years, Steve's 'Best Of so far' gathers multiple #1 Billboard hits and fan favorites including 2 brand new songs. From 1999's First View, Oliver recaptures the magic of that first album by re-recording 'West End' and 'I Know' for this compilation. Concert and radio favorites like 'High Noon', 'Chips and Salsa' and 'Fun in the Sun' will keep listeners on their feet. 'Calling You' and 'Hello Mornin' are wonderful new songs that feel right at home among this collection of hits. The title suggests these are the best so far, and as a collection, it definitely reflects the consistent energy and great songwriting skills that has kept Steve Oliver a chart topping name, a great guitarist/vocalist and producer. Here's to the next 15 Steve! ~ Amazon

ABDULLAH IBRAHIM - MUKASHI: ONCE UPON A TIME

One of the most enigmatic albums we've ever heard from the legendary Abdullah Ibrahim – a set that not only features beautiful work on piano, but some flute and voice as well! The style is quite different than some of Ibrahim's better-known records – as the music has this really gentle, organic quality – very different than the rhythmic pulsations of 70s or 80s classics, but equally sublime in its own sort of way! Cleave Guyton provides spare accompaniment on either flute, clarinet, or tenor – depending on the moment of his appearance – and the set also features two cellists as well, but not used until later in the record – which leaves most of the focus on the piano of the leader, often in this style that's contemplative, but extremely lyrical too. Titles include "Peace", "Root", "Cara Mia", "Dream Time", "The Stars Will Remember", "Devotion", "In The Evening", and "The Balance". ~ Dusty Groove

THE REVELATIONS - COST OF LIVING

Tight funky soul from The Revelations – one of the few contemporary funk groups who also know how to harmonize with their groove! The Revelations boast a great lead singer in the form of Rell Gaddis, but most of the group members also join in on the chorus bits too – and really help inflect the funky rhythms with a great old school vibe – a sense of energy that's especially great on the more upbeat tunes on the set! These guys could well be the next great crossover funky soul act – and have enough of a balance to mix their vintage leanings with just the sort of contemporary touches to show that they're way more than just another retro 60s outfit. Titles include "Why When Love Is Gone", "Higher", "It's Okay", "Money Makes The World Go Round", "The Game Of Love", and "I've Got To Use My Imagination". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: SORCERESS - DOSE; COOKIN' ON 3 BURNERS - MIND MADE UP; STEVE KUHN - PROMISES KEPT

SORCERESS - DOSE

Sorceress (formerly known as Funkommunity) is a 5-piece band from New Zealand. Their 2011 debut album Chequered Thoughts received worldwide acclaim and saw the band tour Europe and Japan the following year. Fast forward to 2014, and the band announced a new name: Sorceress and a new studio album: Dose. While previous works were influenced by J Dilla-inspired future soul and R&B, the new album sees their sound evolve, fusing elements of Deep Electronic Soul, Afrobeat, and Dance Music. Dose retains their distinctive sonic texture, but also projects more movement while going deeper into the source of the music. Experienced in headphones or a club/festival context, Sorceress traverses the boundaries between audio intimacy and the bass driven rhythms of the dancefloor. The creative duo at the core of Sorceress is producer/band leader Isaac Aesili and vocalist Rachel Fraser. Isaac Aesili's production provides a diverse and sonically rich soundscape from which the charismatic vocals of Rachel Fraser weave through both light and dark lyrical themes. Crafted over the period of a year, the album includes collaboration with Sorceress' guitarist Daniel Ryland. Other musicians involved in the sessions include fellow Kiwis Julien Dyne, Marika Hodgson, Tom Broome, Jonathan Crayford, Steph Brown and Cam Allen.

COOKIN' ON 3 BURNERS - MIND MADE UP

A double a side single that features Kylie Auldist on 'Mind Made Up' and chart topping, award winning Aussie singer Daniel Merriweather on 'Losin' Streak. Both tracks on this double A-side single are taken from their forthcoming album Blind Bet, and they are both outstanding examples of beautiful modern soul and funk. On Mind Made Up, Kylie Auldist demonstrates, if any one had any doubt, that she is one of the premier contemporary soul vocalists working today. The snappy drums, crisp guitar and Jake Mason’s organ work all compliment the vocals, whilst lush horns and strings lift this catchy track into future classic status! Award winning Aussie singer Daniel Merriweather, is the featured vocalist on Losin' Streak, a heavy, deeply bluesy funk track that's dance floor dynamite. The new album will be available on May 19, 2014.

STEVE KUHN - PROMISES KEPT

One of the darkest Steve Kuhn albums we've ever heard – a record of introspective piano lines, set amidst contemplative orchestrations from Carlos Franzetti! The style is incredibly moving – bringing a depth to Kuhn's work that we haven't heard in years – an approach that has him acting more like a painter in sound than the highly rhythmic pianist of earlier records. There's a quality here that's almost soundtrack-oriented at times, and Kuhn's dark tones are the highlight of the set – moving slowly in space to really find their own kind of sound – as Franzetti is very careful never to overdo things with the arrangements. Titles include "Adagio", "Promises Kept", "Life's Backward Glance", "Trance", "Morning Day", and "Pastorale". (SHMCD pressing.)  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: WAYNE COCHRAN - GOIN' BACK TO MIAMI: THE SOUL SIDES 1965-1970; MANNY JAMES - GOOD COMPANY; ALEXEY KRUGLOV - STRUCTURE #54

WAYNE COCHRAN - GOIN' BACK TO MIAMI: THE SOUL SIDES 1965-1970

Hey, don't hold Wayne Cochran's hair against him – because he's one massively soulful dude, despite a high white pompadour – and really knew how to rock the clubs back in the 60s! Cochran's a really unique figure – working with a look that was whiter-than-white, but coming across with a groove that was right up there in the best funky soul mode of the time! Wayne played for the same sort of crowds that went to see Baby Huey & The Babysitters – blending together soul and R&B influences with a really party-oriented groove laid down by his legendary CC Riders backup group – and crossing countless borders along the way, all in pursuit of a socking soul sound! This wonderful set is the best we've ever seen on his music – and features tracks pulled from his sessions for King, Chess, and Mercury – plus a full never-issued live album for King, titled The Wayne Cochran Show. There's more than a few covers here of other 60s soul tunes, but Wayne somehow manages to make most of them sound even better than the originals – bringing in funky arrangements that weren't even used on the hits, and making us wish we'd had a chance to catch his cooking show back in the day. 38 tracks in all – with titles that include "Dance To The Music", "Hold On I'm Coming", "Fa Fa Fa Fa Fa (Sad Song)", "I Can't Turn You Loose", "Hard To Handle", "Chopper 70", "Everybody", "Let Me Come With You", "My Machine", "Get Ready", "Which One Should I Choose", "I'm In Trouble", "The Peak Of Love", "Somebody Please", "I'm Leaving It Up To You", and "Big City Woman". ~ Dusty Groove

MANNY JAMES - GOOD COMPANY

Manny James' voice has been described as "timeless, soulful and raw", influenced by greats such as Curtis Mayfeild, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye, Manny James delivers on the same level of vocal intensity and realness as his predecessors. Manny James stands 6' 3' with booming voice and looming physical presence that commands attention from all baring witness to his live performances. Manny James' approach is slightly more laid back and guilty of dripping with sex on his lead off single "Good Company" as he speaks to some sourly needed decompression time with a female counter part as the weekend draws near. The track bounces along with a retro 60s 2 step beat and Motown rich harmonic feel. Manny James is the voice of "So Incredible", the track produced and composed by Fred (FS) Sargolini for the NFL/VISA campaign #MyFootballFantasy starring Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons.The TV spot featuring "So Incredible" aired nationally and has gone viral with over 4.5 million views. VISA has also released the full length song with the proceeds going to charity.  

ALEXEY KRUGLOV - STRUCTURE #54

“Structure # 54” is another step on the way of this Siberia-Moscow quartet, a phase containing a unique improvisational line of a compositional structure. We wanted to create a metaphor through embodying paints, images, conditions, which might no longer exist. The figure 54 is very symbolic here. After the Novosibirsk region code was changed from 54 to 154, the special quality, certain state of being could leave Novosibirsk, or could transform to something completely different – this is what we try to show here with the help of hints and allusions. Fantasies and transiencу – recorded as sounds and well structured – reveal not just some statement of a specific period of time, but also the reflection of personal attitude of musicians to these local changes, which, however, do not affect or change the essence of the attitude to the Siberian world. The world with its immense space, bringing up the image of infinity in each Siberian soul.

 

NEW RELEASES: TIM GARLAND - SONGS TO THE NORTH SKY; SLOWLY ROLLING CAMERA; LALO SHIFRIN - NO ONE HOME

TIM GARLAND - SONGS TO THE NORTH SKY

British jazz saxophonist, composer and band-leader. He is also known for his innovative bass clarinet playing and for his prolific output as composer, blurring the boundaries between modern jazz and classical concert music.Songs to the North Sky is Tim Garland's new double album which will delight existing fans, and serve as an ideal primer for those yet to be acquainted with one of the most remarkable British musicians of his generation. Featuring the incredible line-up of  Tim Garland, John Patitucci, Jason Rebello, John Turville, Geoffrey Keezer, Asaf Sirkis, Ant Law, Kevin Glasgow, The Royal Northern Sinfonia, Neil Percy, and Magdalena Filipczak.

SLOWLY ROLLING CAMERA

Slowly Rolling Camera is a new project that teams pianist-composer Dave Stapleton, producer Deri Roberts, vocalist-lyricist Dionne Bennett and drummer Elliot Bennett. It is proof positive that some of the most interesting work arises from a meeting of many minds. The result is music that has distinct echoes of the ‘invisible soundtracks’ of UK progressives Cinematic Orchestra and 4 Hero as well as the polychrome textures of maverick Scandinavian artists like Sigor Rós. Slowly Rolling Camera are purveyors of mysterious audio vignettes, moulded by a structural sophistication plugged straight into the vibrant emotional current of pop culture.

LALO SHIFRIN - NO ONE HOME (INCLUDES BONUS TRACKS)

A sweet set of fusiony soul from Lalo Schifrin – actually better than most of his other late 70s efforts, including some of his soundtrack work! The album's in the same territory that Quincy Jones was hitting at the time – at its core, a set of funky electric jazz – but done with an expansive approach that also brings in soulful vocals on most tracks, really hitting some nice R&B-styled fusion grooves! Sylvia Smith is the lead singer on most of the vocal tunes, and other players include west coast soul jazzers like Ndugu Chancler, Oscar Brashear, Paul Jackson, Ronnie Foster, and Patrice Rushen. Titles include "Memory Of Love", "Middle Of The Night", "No One Home", "Enchanted Flame", and "Oh Darlin Life Goes On". ~ Dusty Groove

PACIFIKA ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM AMOR PLANETA TO BE RELEASED ON MAY 6, 2014 ON SIX DEGREES RECORDS

Timing is everything. When you’re in no hurry, with no expectations or outside pressure, the process of creation seems natural. This was the case in the making of global fusion outfit Pacifika’s third album, Amor Planeta. The Vancouver-based trio of vocalist Silvana Kane, guitarist Adam Popowitz and bassist Toby Peter has never sounded more at home with the world.

“This record is much like the title of the album, which means Love Planet,” says Kane, a native Peruvian. “It’s love in its various forms: love of nature, love of another, love that is lost, love that is eternal—basically all that makes us what we are as humans.”

Entering the studio with a new frame of mind following the success of 2008’s Asuncion and 2010’s Supermagique, as well as Kane’s 2012 solo album, La Jardinera, Pacifika tried out a new process of songwriting and recording. “In the past the three of us would sit together and jam ideas,” says Peter. “This time Adam and I built a track, then Silvana would come in and vibe off of it.”

The addition of trumpet player Malcolm Aiken as well as a more organic approach to recording—less electronica, more live performance—kept things fresh for the band. Whereas before the songs would often be built around Kane’s poetic lyricism, Amor Planeta offers lush textures and guitar-driven ambient soundscapes, not to mention a harder edge keeping a nice balance between both.

Pacifika burst onto the global music scene in 2008 with their critically acclaimed debut album Asuncion that was praised by The Wall Street Journal, Village Voice, KCRW, and NPR amongst others, and led to high profile shows alongside Feist and Sharon Jones at The Hollywood Bowl.  Supermagique was the iTunes editor’s pick for “Best World Music Album of the Year” in 2010 and a Juno nominee for “Best World Music Album,” which catapulted the band from Latin Alternative darlings to a broader audience worldwide.  Amor Planeta continues to see the band evolve, in a natural organic way.

Perhaps the key to understanding Pacifika’s music is as simple as three friends living out their dreams on one stage. In a society that seems to be getting speedier by the day, the relaxed environment created by this trio’s songs offers a robust antidote to the hectic nature of daily life. Charming and charmed, we’d all be better suited on a planet as full of love as this one.

PHRONESIS - LIFE TO EVERYTHING

Life to Everything is the new live album by Anglo/Scandinavian trio Phronesis, recorded over three shows ‘in the round’ at The Cockpit, London as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival in November 2013.

Since the success of their fourth album ‘Walking Dark’ two years ago, the trio have been on a meteoric rise, gaining acclaim from fans over two tours of the USA and Canada and a tour of Australia, whilst also rising to the forefront of the European club and festival scene. With so much time spent on the road and a reputation for spell-binding roller-coaster live performances, (which led to Jazzwise once describing them as one of the most exciting bands on the planet), it was natural for the band to want to record their fifth album in front of a live audience. In Høiby’s words – ‘performing live has been the strength of this trio from the start – it sparks an extra focus, excitement and joy. As the album title suggests – it’s where everything comes to life’.

With a highly developed musical understanding between them, onstage these three strong individual personalities are very much a collective, demonstrating an uncanny empathy and a telepathic singular sound like the synaptic firings of one mind. With totally balanced contributions by each band member, the warmth and intensity of the trio’s magical interaction is captured perfectly on Life to Everything, enhanced by the ‘in the round’ set-up of the recording, which as Høiby explains, was a deliberate choice ‘to provide perfect sightlines and an invisible thread of energy between us’.

Over the nine tracks, each member takes a writing credit for three compositions, yet the undeniable trademark Phronesis sound of catchy hooks, complex changes, crackling rhythms and heady grooves is present throughout – a testament to their skills as individual composers.

From the ‘big commanding tone and skittering composure’ (New York Times) of Høiby’s bass at the start of Eger’s Urban Control, layered by Neame’s inventive melodic piano lines and Eger’s relentless creative countercurrents, the sound is instantly recognisable as Phronesis.

Life to Everything has the irresistible excitement, skillful flair and expansive compositional craft that result in undoubtably Phronesis’s most accomplished artistic statement to date.

MESCHELL NDEGEOCELLO TO PREVIEW NEW ALBUM - COMET, COME TO ME - AT (LE) POISSON ROUGE

Mercurial and masterful, Meshell Ndegeocello has survived the best and worst of what a career in music has to offer. She has eschewed genre for originality, celebrity for longevity, and musicals trends for musical truths. She has lived through the boom and bust of the industry and emerged just as she entered - unequivocally herself. Fans have come to expect the unexpected from Meshell, and faithfully followed her on sojourns into soul, spoken word, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, rock, all bound by a lyrical, spiritual search for love, justice, respect, resolution, and happiness.

Groove driven, infectiously melodic and lyrically meditative, Meshell’s latest album, Comet, Come To Me, finds her returning to the same well of creativity that launched her career. 

Her 11th release, it is possibly a culmination of all previous work: lush, vocal, seeking, wise, collaborative, and driven by the signature bounce and precise pocket of Ndegeocello on bass. The album features special guests Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and Doyle Bramhall, along with long-time collaborators Christopher Bruce (guitar) and Jebin Bruni (keys), and Earl Harvin on drums. Assured of her place as an authentic musical thinker and an uncompromising artist, Comet continues to discover, examine, and explore all that music has to offer her and how she can return the gift.

“Comet, Come To Me was a little labor but a lot of love. It was made with my favorite collaborators, and it felt good to channel the sounds in my mind after having Nina in residence for a while,” says Meshell, referencing her last album, a tribute to Nina Simone. The collaborative process that comes with making an album especially inspires her. “When I’m writing songs and recording the demos, I’m having my own awesome experience in my attic, or on a plane, or in a hotel room, just making my beats on my laptop. Then I get together with these people that I have an intimate musical relationship with, and we bring the songs to life.”

In addition to the twelve new tracks on Comet, Come to Me (15 including the bonus tracks available on her website), fans of Meshell’s will no doubt be intrigued by her cover of Whodini’s “Friends”, a seminal hip-hop track originally released in 1984. Commenting on her inspiration for choosing this song, Meshell explains: “I play with a lot of people who play improvisational music and jazz, and I thought it would be fun to take something that they might think of as easy or straight-forward, and do something different with it. I also like how language is morphing, and 'friends' is such a malleable word, I don't even know what it means anymore.”

In addition to her own recording, Meshell has been expanding her repertoire as a producer, producing three albums in the past year: British/Trinidadian poet and musician Anthony Joseph's new album, Time; Jason Moran's Fats Waller Tribute, All Rise: A Joyful Elegy For Fats Waller (due Sept 2014); and a new album by Grammy-nominated Ruthie Foster, also set for release this fall.

On Tuesday June 3, 2014 Ndegeocello will prestent An Evening with Meshell Ndegeocello (Album Release Party!) featuring songs from her new album, Comet, Come to Me

w/ a special opening set of Songs from Plantation Lullabies, Peace Beyond Passion, Bitter and Cookie at (Le) Poisson Rouge; 158 Bleecker Street, New York City.

MIKE CLARK AND BILL SUMMER 'THE HEADHUNTERS' TO PLAY WEST COAST CONCERTS

The Headhunters have redefined modern funk, world music, and jazz as one of the most innovative groups in history. They recorded for several years with legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, representing a major turning point for Hancock with the formation of this popular band in 1973. The Columbia album Head Hunters became extremely popular, fusing jazz with funk and rock, the album sold over a million copies and attracted many R&B and rock fans, even out-selling Miles Davis' popular Bitches Brew. The Headhunters have recently released some new material and will be on US Tour. Co-leaders Mike Clark & Bill Summers will be joined by some of the nation’s best talent and are currently booking for early 2014.

Mike Clark a seasoned and versatile musician, began playing in Oakland, CA where he was instrumental in creating the "East Bay Funk" sound. His groundbreaking work with Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters album “Thrust” drew attention to his innovative style, elevating him to international cult status. Clark has performed and recorded with a diverse range of artists including Wayne Shorter, Charlie Hunter, Chet Baker, Gil Evans, Joe Henderson, Tony Bennett, and Mose Allison. Clarke released ‘Carnival of the Soul in 2010 and most recently in 2011 a new Headhunters album ‘Platinum’ with guest artists: Snoop Dogg, Killah Priest & George Clinton

Bill Summers a highly accomplished musician, percussionist, and ethnomusicologist, Bill Summers has performed and recorded with Quincy Jones, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, Dianne Reeves, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, George Benson and many more, in addition to his various solo projects. He maintains a deep commitment to world music through his personal study with ethnic masters, as demonstrated through his deft ability on a variety of instruments. Summers' awareness of African heritage is evident in his work with Quincy Jones on the musical score for Roots and the soundtrack for The Color Purple. He formed the fantastic Latin/jazz hybrid Los Hombres Calientes in 1998 in New Orleans who have recorded five albums, toured the World They won Billboards “Latin Jazz Album of the Year Award” and were Grammy Nominated.

Also featuring:

Donald Harrison a talented post-bop alto saxophonist with a definitive style, Donald Harrison, Jr. came to fame with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1982-1984 after attending the Berklee College of Music. Harrison landed a deal with Impulse recording his critically acclaimed Nouveau Swing in 1997 and Free to Be in 1998, fusing modern jazz with elements of funk and reggae. His most recent release, Spirits of Congo Square, furthers his exploration and innovation of his father's Mardi Gras Indian legacy. (Donald performs on shows May 10-15)

Chris Severin has been playing Bass in New Orleans for over 30 years. He has recorded & toured with some of the best including: Diane Reeves, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Ellis Marsalis, Terrence Blanchard, Allen Toussaint, Lou Rawls, Bonnie Rae, Nicholas Payton, and the Neville Brothers. Chris worked on the movie soundtracks of “Barbershop” and “The Next Friday”. He also serves on the faculty of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

Stephen Gordon who at the age of 17, was selected as finalist for The Brubeck Institute quintet. He attended Shenendoah Conservatory for Jazz & Classical Piano. He then went on to play with some of the biggest names in jazz including: Ellis Marsalis, Jason & Delfeayo Marsalis, Christian Scott, Steve Turre, Shannon Powell, Irvin Mayfield Jr., Cyrus Chestnut, Fred Wesley (James Brown), Ivan Hampton (Janet Jackson), Oteil Burbage (The Allman Brothers). Recently he was the Music director for the off-broadway production of "Miles and Coltrane: The Blue Sessions"

On Sweetwater Music Hall show in Mill Valley CA – May 9th

Charles McNeal (Alto, Tenor, Soprano Saxophones) Studied extensively in Denver Co. privately and at the college level with teachers that include: WaltFowler, Willie Hill, Rich Charluce, Keith Oxman, Ron Miles, Javon Jackson, Nelson Rangell, Brad Leali, Walter Barr. Has been a featured performer at many national and international festivals including: Monterey JazzFestival (CA), San Jose Jazz Festival (CA), San Francisco Jazz Festival (CA), Playboy Jazz Festival(CA), Telluride Jazz Festival (CO), Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), Porretta Soul Festival (Italy). Performed, recorded and/or toured with: Jimmy Scott, Charlie Mussellwhite, Keb Mo, John Faddis,Wynton Marsalis, Leslie Drayton, McCoy Tyner, Ray Obiedo, Dave Garabaldi, RAD, Brenda Boykin, Claire Dee, Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Barbara Morrison, Barbara Dennerlein, Jr. Mance, Bruce Forman, Mark Elf, Roberta Flack, The Temptations, Ollie Woodson, Norman Conners, Jean Carne, Curtis Olson, Peter Horvath, Jaz Sawyer, Boz Scaggs, Nicolas Bearde...

The Headhunters tour dates:

Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley CA, on 5/9

Arcata Theater in Humboldt County CA on 5/10

Jazz Alley in Seattle on 5/13 & 14

Headhunters at Jimmy Mak’s in Portland on 5/15