Please come join Kevin Toney, 2X Grammy Nominated pianist, composer and author.
For a discussion of his book The Virtuous Man/ Breaking The Men’s Code
along with hearing songs from his companion CD, Heart Of Gratitude.
Windsor Hills Christian Book Center, 4438 West Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
(323) 290-3079
Saturday, May 18, 2013 2:00PM – 4:00 PM
Richard Smith is a high-acclaimed professor of jazz guitar music at the USC. The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities, located in the heart of Los Angeles. The USC Thornton studio/jazz guitar department is considered one of the finest guitar programs in the world, boasting a faculty of world class touring and recording guitarists.
Richard Smith has already performed with Kirk Whalum, Marc Antoine, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Dan Siegel, Warren Hill, Bob Hope and Brian Bromberg, to name a few. His solo projects are Rockin The Boat (1989), Puma Creek (1989), Bella Firenza (1991), From My Window (1994), First Kiss (1997), Flow (1999), Natural Soul (2002), Soulidified (2003) and LA Chillharmonic (2008).
Richard Smith published with permission of Bettie Grace Miner.
The Brevard Music Group is a Brevard County, Florida based promotion, marketing and production organization under the direction of owner Roland Guilarte. The Brevard Music Group is comprised of three sub-group entities.
The Brevard Jazz Series, established in June of 1992, bringing hundreds of jazz/contemporary/smooth jazz concerts to Brevard County and other Florida cities.
BJS Productions: established in 2008, focusing on national blues, acoustic and classic rock. BJSP also offers contracting, marketing and production for private House Concerts, Corporate parties, fundraising events and much more.
Mr. Guilarte makes it his business to provide the residents of Brevard County with the opportunity to experience top national entertainment performed live by the most accomplished musicians of our time, right here at home.
Since its beginning, Brevard Jazz Series (BJS) and now the Brevard Music Group has been bringing top national talent to the Brevard County area. They have successfully promoted and produced hundreds of national artists including such well known names as George Benson, Norman Brown, Art Porter, The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, Al Dimeola, Acoustic Alchemy, Larry Carlton, Peter White, Richard Elliot, Jeff Kashiwa, Craig Chaquico, Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, Everette Harp, Warren Hill, Maynard Ferguson, Spyro Gyra, Dave Koz, Johnny Winter, Peter Frampton and many,
many others.
As proprietor, Roland Guilarte continues to broaden the musical horizon for space coast residents. Working with top area venues such as the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, The Henegar Center, Hilton and Holiday Inn hotels, and several area clubs, Mr. Guilarte’s goal is to continue to improve the quality of entertainment in Brevard County. With his Brevard Jazz Series and now the Brevard Music Group, he continues to enhance Brevard County’s cultural and economic environments.
From contracting to marketing, ticketing, and production — The Brevard Music Group has a strong and proud foundation as a quality source of entertainment for Brevard County and beyond with you, the patron, as the
center of the focus!
The Best Of George Benson by George Benson. For Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, Vocal. Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook. Smooth Soul and Jazz Fusion. Difficulty: medium. Songbook. Vocal melody, piano accompaniment, lyrics, chord names and guitar chord diagrams. 80 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.308185).
ISBN 0793523958. With vocal melody, piano accompaniment, lyrics, chord names and guitar chord diagrams. Smooth Soul and Jazz Fusion. 9×12 inches.
Revised to include even more of his best hits as well as a bio. Songs include: Breezin’ * Give Me The Night * In Your Eyes * Lady Love Me (One More Time) * On Broadway * This Masquerade * Turn Your Love Around * Weekend In L.A. * and more.
Buy this songbook here.
One of the most commercially successful American saxophonists to earn prominence since the 1980s, David Sanborn has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. Having inspired countless other musicians, Dave has worked in many genres which typically blend instrumental pop, R&B and lately, more and more traditional jazz. He released his first solo album Taking Off in 1975, but has been playing the saxophone since before he was in high school when he was inspired by the great Chicago blues artists near his hometown of St. Louis. Having contracted polio at the age of three, Dave was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment therapy.
By the age of 14, he was able to play with legends such as Albert King and Little Milton. Dave went on to study music at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa where he played and studied with the great saxophonist JR Monterose. Later traveling to California on the advice of a friend, he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and played Woodstock with Paul Butterfield. Following that, Dave toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for Wonder’s Talking Book album, played with The Rolling Stones, and toured with David Bowie with whom he recorded the famous solo heard on “Young Americans”.
At the same time, Dave was touring and recording with the great Gil Evans, dividing his time between the two. After moving to New York City and studying with George Coleman, Dave started his solo career where he later collaborated with such artists as Paul Simon and James Taylor. Dave’s solo release of Taking Off in 1975—still considered a classic—further solidified his career. His 1979 release of Hideaway became a popular hit and further propelled Dave’s ascent with the single, “Seduction” being featured in the movie, American Gigolo. Veteran bassist and composer Marcus Miller joined Dave on the 1981 album, Voyeur. The single, “All I Need Is You” won Dave his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
In 1983, Dave released the hit album Backstreet that included Luther Vandross as a featured guest vocalist. Later albums have included guest artists such as Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Charlie Hayden, Wallace Roney, Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, and Eric Clapton. Moving onto television, Dave hosted the show, Night Music from 1988 to 1990. Produced by Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, the show featured films of jazz legends like Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck and Billie Holiday, as well as banter and memorable music jams by a remarkable list of musicians including Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Joe Sample, Pharoah Sanders, and many others. Additionally, Dave has regularly hosted the “After New Year’s Eve” TV special on ABC. During the 1980s and 1990s, Dave hosted a syndicated radio program, The Jazz Show with David Sanborn. Dave has also recorded many shows’ theme songs as well as several other songs for The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder.
In his three-and-a-half decade career, Dave has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. He continues to be one of the most highly active musicians of his genre, with 2010 tour dates exceeding 150. Considered as a whole, Dave is an artist who pushes the limits and continues to make music that challenges the mind and goes Straight to The Heart.
David Sanborn published with permission of Bettie Grace Miner.
NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that promotes the pleasures and benefits of making music and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry. Our association—and our trade shows—serve as a hub for people wanting to seek out the newest innovations in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages.
Before there was an industry or an association, there was a belief…in music. That belief led to a vision: We envision a world in which the joy of making music is a precious element of daily living for everyone; a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught; and in which every adult is a passionate champion and defender of the right. That vision led to a mission: To strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.
More than a century later, that vision and mission have attracted a growing, thriving worldwide community of thousands of deeply passionate, talented companies that make, buy and sell the instruments that allow millions of people to make music. That community is called NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry.
Thursday, Jan 24 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Jan 25 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan 26 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 27 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802
With a voice that caresses like melted caramel and lyrics that touch the deepest recesses of your emotions, singer/songwriter Brenda Russell proves that a glowing talent only deepens with time. Author of such gems as “Piano In The Dark,” “If Only For One Night,” and the much-loved anthem “Get Here,” Brenda returned to the marketplace in 2000 with the release of Paris Rain on Hidden Beach Recordings-her first studio album in seven years. The exquisitely crafted album displayed her song craft and richly nuanced voice in an elegant journey of mood, melody and memory that satisfied longtime fans and enchanted new listeners.
Along with composing songs for her upcoming record, Brenda has continued to exercise her considerable gifts in a variety of projects. She is currently co-writing (with Allee Willis and Stephen Bray) the music for a Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker slated to hit the stage in 2005. She also co-wrote the song “Justice of the Heart” with Stevie Wonder for the Denzel Washington movie John Q—a song which Wonder performed. And her co-composition with Brazilian artist Ivan Lins, titled “She Walks This Earth,” was recorded by international superstar Sting for the all-star tribute album Love Affair: The Music Of Ivan Lins. Sting’s inspired performance of the uniquely beautiful song earned him a Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance.
Her recording with Koz and the other tour artists of A Smooth Jazz Christmas CD was nominated for a 2002 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. That CD included a new version of her classic “Get Here” which received yet another re-working last fall by American Idol’s Justin Guarini, who performed it in the 2002 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on Oprah as well as recording it for the American Idol: Greatest Moments compilation CD on RCA Records.
Fellow artists who appreciate Brenda’s music call on her formidable talent for penning music and lyrics again and again. Singer Will Downing benefited from Brenda’s songwriting with one of her co-compositions, “Don’t You Talk To Me Like That” (co-written with Vinx and Mark Cawley)-a Top 20 Urban AC hit from his 2002 Verve Records album Sensual Journey. Solomon Burke’s critically acclaimed and Grammy-winning 2002 comeback album Don’t Give Up on Me (Fat Possum) features “None of Us Are Free,” co-written by Brenda, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The three are among an all-star lineup of songwriters on Burke’s recording including Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, and Brian Wilson.
And just to keep things fun, Brenda wrote incidental music for the animated series “Fat Girl” on the Oxygen Network, as well as an animated internet short series titled “Driving While Black” for urbanentertainment.com. She also composed the theme music for the syndicated “The Ananda Lewis Show;” a daytime talk show hosted by the former MTV VJ.
Born to musical parents in Brooklyn, New York, Brenda grew up there and in the Canadian town of Hamilton, Ontario. She encountered her first piano while singing as a teenager in the Canadian company of the rock musical “Hair” in Toronto
Without a formal musical education, Brenda says she worried that she would never be able to write a song. “Then I had this revelation that: ‘You’re not doing this, you are just a channel for this, something opened up and it came through you.’ Once I realized that I was sort of fearless about songwriting after that. Because if that’s the way it is, I can do anything, and that’s the premise I’ve based my whole writing career on.”
In the late 1970s, now living in Los Angeles, Brenda and her manager began circulating a demo of her songs. She was signed to Tommy LiPuma’s Horizon Records, and her first single, “So Good, So Right” was released in 1979. Brenda transferred to A&M Records, where she formed a bond with label founder Herb Alpert and released Brenda Russell and Love Life. Her contract was picked up by Warner Bros. for the 1983 album Two Eyes before moving to Sweden, where she wrote tunes for her A&M return, Get Here. That 1988 album contained the Grammy-nominated “Piano In The Dark,” the gorgeous “Le Restaurant,” and the title cut, which was a hit for Oleta Adams a few years later.
After a 1992 Greatest Hits package and her 1993 set Soul Talkin’(EMI Records), Brenda took time off to regroup and travel. Continuing to write, produce, and collaborate with other artists, Brenda honed her craft and contributed tunes to other projects, including albums by Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, the score to How Stella Got Her Groove Back, as well as writing and performing two songs in director Barry Levinson’s film Liberty Heights.
As one of few artists who have successfully been able to incorporate a wide range of musical influences–rock, pop, R&B, jazz, classical, Latin–into a distinct style that defies categorization while attracting fans around the world, Brenda Russell’s music endures through time and trends. As evidence, her self-titled debut was re-released on CD by Universal Records in 2000, and the label, which now owns her A&M catalog, released Brenda Russell: Ultimate Collection in 2001. And later music writer David Nathan’s Ambassador Soul Classics label reissued Two Eyes.
“I never write songs that are without hope,” the accomplished artist explains. “People have to be inspired to another level. Like: My heart can go on! I may feel like I’m going to die, but I won’t because something good could be around the corner. I take responsibility on myself to inspire people and even make them cry. Yes, I’ll make you cry but I won’t leave you hopeless.”
Currently Brenda is working on her new album, which shall be released this year. Stephan Oberhoff shows his wizardry on this album again.
Brenda Russell published with permission of Bettie Grace Miner.
According to Dave Koz ” Jimmy is one of the real saxophone players of the future .. and he tells a story with his saxophone ” Jimmy is the featured Sax player on the hit single ” Get it On ” from Brian Culbertson and Jimmy is also featured on many other artists albums. Now it is Jimmy’s turn to be the featured artist.
Being able to record this album, “Jimmy Reid Preview 2002″ released October 1, 2001, has been a dream come true for this Chicago native. With the love, support, and belief of his family and friends his dream has become a reality. Jimmy has been blessed with a musical gift. Not only to express his love through the saxophone, but he can also write wonderful memorable melodies and lyrics. This gifted musician can do it all – he writes the words and music, plays keyboards and even assists in the engineering of the music; he is the producer on all the tracks except the first single “Cool Vibe” produced by Brian Culbertson. To know Jimmy is to love him for his beautiful spirit and love for life and music that comes through with each note he plays and writes from his heart.
Jimmy came out to California in 1994 with nothing but his hopes to bring his music to the world. After years of playing street corners and dark night clubs, he finally has accomplished his goal. He has never given up and after years of trying to make it into the music world, he has made it. Not only with the love of his family but the support of fans and fellow musicians. Jimmy is not feared by fellow musicians but he is embraced. Jimmy is a shining example that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it, and he is bringing something new and fresh to the music world. Combining old school jazz with new school urban, people of all ages are sure to enjoy this new and edgy expression of music. So, everyone get ready for the sounds of Jimmy Reid because he is surely here to stay.
Jimmy Reid published with permission of Bettie Grace Miner.
SAN FRANCISCO (Herald de Paris) — The sound of Greg Adams is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. A musical journey that has spanned nearly four decades from the time he first arrived on the San Francisco Bay Area music scene in the early ‘70s, Greg has been a driving force in defining an artistry that transcends musical genres, is still seeking out a course not yet traveled, is at his best when he’s testing his innovative boundaries. Adams diversity has made him the consummate performer, setting no boundaries and seeking no labels.
Adams is a founding member of Tower Of Power and is legendary for the horn arrangements that made the TOP horn section a sought-out entity all its own. TOP is still traveling the world playing the arrangements that will forever include the musical signatures Greg invented so very long ago.
Beginning early with his arrangements on Santana’s Everything Is Everything, Elton John’s The Bitch Is Back, Chaka Kahn’sFool’s Paradise, Little Feat’s High Roller, and Heart’s Tell It like It Is, Greg has played on over five hundred recordings. You’ve heard Greg’s collaboration with Paul Shaffer on the opening theme of Late Show With David Letterman and on score arrangements in such films as Duets, Mask, Top Gun, Saving Silverman, and Austin Powers in Gold Member with Smashmouth. He teamed up with Stanley Clarke on Little Big League and on Sgt Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band with the illustrious Sir George Martin.
Greg has arranged, performed and recorded with countless artists as diverse as his career including The Eurhythmics, Rod Stewart, Lyle Lovett, Heart, Linda Ronstadt, Luther Vandross, Aaron Neville, The Brothers Johnson, Phish, Little Feat, Wilson Pickett, Huey Lewis and the News, Raphael Saadiq, Al Green, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Everclear, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, Dionne Warwick, Ray Charles, Peter Frampton, Billy Preston, Terrence Trent Darby, Josh Groban Madonna, The Rolling Stones and Celine Dion.
For Adams it is always about the journey and where it will take him – and he is always ready to go. Greg has a new band poised for international recognition called East Bay Soul. EBS has put out one album and has recently followed it up with East Bay Soul 2.0 – completely produced, arranged and co-written by Greg. A collection of dynamic songs backed by his band East Bay Soul, Adams signature sound is clearly stamped throughout the album’s ten tracks, an equal mix of instrumental and vocal songs and a blend of funk, jazz, R&B and soul. Continue reading
This triple threat female power-house plays trumpet, sings, composes and leads the much acclaimed jazzy, funky, blues band : Ginetta’s Vendetta. The recent submission of her sophmore CD” Land on My Feet” to the 55th annual Grammys in five (!) categories is just one more major accolade for this as yet undiscovered superstar!! Ginetta is an alumni of the famed music school North Texas State U. and has decades of experience both on & off the road and in the studio! In the early years she played with many Latin, Compa, Calypso, Merengue & Salsa bands, taking her on tours through Puerto Rico, Haiti, South America, Martenique & Guadeloupe.
She also spent a Carnival season in Trinidad with her female horn section Amazon Brass! Her sideman recordings are too numerous to mention and cover a variety of styles from horn sectionals, to jazz solos, salsa montunos and R & B parts! Blues was also a defining factor in her musical evolution and she was an honorary “Holmes Sister” with the incredible “Holmes Brothers” band, playing with them for years and touring with them thru Canada, Nova Scotia and New England. She was always added to the horn section of Blues Legend Albert Collins whenever he came to NYC. A 2 year stint at the biggest russian club in NYC “The National” was followed by 3 more years on the road w/ the show band “Waterfront” covering the casino & hotel circuit! She also was the sole horn player & soloist for the American debut tour for The Boo Radleys, covering 45 states in 7 weeks!
Her need, however, to lead a band, sing, play and compose was the reason for the rise of “Ginetta’s Vendetta”.Formed 15 years ago, the band is comprised of the basic “power trio” of guitar, bass & drums. Playing only the funkiest versions of the jazz classics & singing her danceable originals Ginetta commands any stage w/ her signature pocket-trumpet, sultry vocals & her special brand of high-octane entertainment! Having played the International Jazz Fest in Jamaica, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,2010 & 2011, she was, as usual, the toast of the festival! A 2 week stint at The Blue Note in Beirut in 2005 then again at The Razz Club in 2010 gave her the opportunity to expand her fan base across the globe. The 2010 visit also included 2 television appearances on the Middle East version of MTV. A featured performer at The Saint John Blues festival gave Ginetta yet another stage to conquer, this time in the beautiful Virgin Islands. She gained new fans in upstate N.Y. headliningt the Hudson Black Arts festival two years in a row.
A two week engagement with her band in Las Vegas won her a bunch of new fans in the entertainment capitol, plus a rave review from the “Las Vegas City Life”. (Check “Press” page on website). Playing The Gainesville Jazz festival her & her band rocked the thousands of fans! They also headlined The Prishtina Jazz festival in the Republic of Kosovo cementing her status as an internationally acclaimed Artist & bandleader! With radio stations from Canada to Mexico and all points in between playing cuts from both her CD’s, myriad radio interviews and press in 5 Languages proclaiming her talent Ginetta continually forges ahead making each year better than the last. Her 1st C.D “La Dolce Vita” is currently available to order on her website (or @ CDBaby, Amazon, Itunes, etc) and at any of her numerous live shows. It includes the haunting ballad “Can out Tears Put out The Fire?”, winner of an Honorable mention in the Billboard World song competition & commissioned in the wake of September 11th. She has also garnered 2 more BillBoard awards for her tunes “I Beleive In You” & “Behind Those Eyes” available on the debut C.D (La Dolce Vita). She has been the recipient of 4 AscaPlus awards for songwriting & The Music Liberty Initiative for N.Y.! (A special grant for NYC musicians affected by 9/11) She has received a “Best Of 2007″ award from Soul Patrol newsletter for her first CD.
Her sophmore CD, entitled “Land On My Feet” has 6 more of her originals plus a funky version of “All Blues”. The title track has recently been chosen for the 2012 @Supercuts “Rock the Cut” campaign!! Ginetta’s Vendetta had a residency at the esteemed Trump Soho Hotel, playing every thursday for their “Smooth Jazz Thursdays” in the heart of downtown NYC for most of 2012. She is a multidimensional entertainer with a limitless supply of energy and versatility. As Ginetta herself says, “With my horn as my passport, there’s nowhere I can’t go.”
