Jazz Appreciation Month 2022 Around Town with Gregory Burrus Productions

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, Marcy 29, 2022

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

This April, jazz up for a month to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) to honor one of America’s earliest and iconic art forms. Rich with extraordinary heritage and cultural history, jazz music originated in the blues era in the early 20th century and bestowed the world with bebop tunes to which we can dance all night. Founded in 2001, JAM is a 30-day long festival held to learn and recognize the cultural significance of this hip music genre and the jazz pop stars, and offers a chance to jam to some boogie-woogie day in and out. https://nationaltoday.com/jazz-appreciation-month/

Events – Jazz Appreciation Month

Come on out and enjoy some of the best Jazz, Jazzy Nights and some Smooth Jazz Events available during Jazz Appreciation Month. We are starting the celebration early. Here’s some of the fabulous jazz performances you can experience this month..

March 30: Jazz973 Presents Kakuyon Mataeh Quintet

Kakuyon Shakur Mataeh – Trumpeter, Bandleader, and Composer born in Newark, NJ. Jazz education through the Jazz House Kids youth program led by Melissa Walker and Christian McBride, performing in their Montclair Jazz Festival nearly every year since 2014. Kakuyon grew up playing at speakeasies and his father’s many art gallery exhibitions from a young age. Kakuyon is in his junior year at Princeton University where he studies Computer Science, African American studies, and continues his jazz education under the tutelage of trumpeter Ted Chubb, bandleader James Darcey Argue, and saxophonist Rudresh Manhatthappa. Mataeh has played at notable venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and more recently led his quintet at the 2022 Montclair Jazz Festival. He has also played with Christian McBride, Cyrus Chestnut, Don Braden, Trineice Martin, Mimi Jones, Vince Ector, and many other notable acts. He brings a swinging band:

Destiny Diggs – Bass
Miles Lennox — Keys
Peter Glynn — Drums
Joseph Miller — Sax

Check it out Wed., March 30, 7:00pm and 8:30 pm showtime. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201

https://www.facebook.com/jazz973

April 1: Elmwood's Culture Club Summer Of Soul Screening

It's the Summer of Soul Film Screening hosted by Lynette Sheard for the Elmwood's Culture Club “Summer of Soul” is about the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. If you haven’t heard of it, that may be because it was—tellingly, if not deliberately—erased from public consciousness. The festival took place outdoors, in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park), and it was filmed, under lighting generously provided by the sun. The tapes then sat in a basement, largely unseen, for half a century. At last, they have been unearthed and, in the hands of Thompson and his editor, Joshua L. Pearson, given new life and shape.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/07/05/questloves-summer-of-soul-pulses-with-long-silenced-beats

Following the screening, there will be a Zoom discussion led by Entertainment Personality Lynette Sheard and Ierviewer for Gregory Burrus Productions. Lynette Sheard is also Director and community education coordinator at the Mental Health Association in NJ, will host the event. Come join us to view the movie and discuss the event. Click here to register for this Zoom event or you can also email eupccultureclub@gmail.com.

April 1: Bradford Hayes Quintet at IJS Clements Place

Bradford Hayes Quintet at IJS Clements Place

• Saxophonist Bradford Hayes, a native of Dinwiddie County, Virginia has been a force on the jazz scene in the northeastern U.S. for many years now. He has performed at a number of clubs, colleges and concert halls that include Birdland (NYC), Tavern on the Green (NYC), and the Beacon Theater (NYC). Bradford has performed or recorded in different musical settings with Gerald Alston, Yusef Lateef, Ted Curson, Michael Cochrane, Joe Lee Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Al Grey, Cecil Payne, Rufus Reid, Ray Bryant, Ben Riley, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cecil Brooks III, Jerry Butler, and The Dells. For this performance Braford Hayes brings in the following professional musicians.

• Michael Cochrane on Piano, A forward-leaning yet strongly swinging modern pianist, Cochrane studied with the noted Boston-based piano teacher Madame Margaret Chaloff (mother of Serge Chaloff) and the inimitable Jaki Byard. In a fruitful career, he has performed and/or recorded with saxophonists Michael Brecker, Sonny Fortune, Oliver Lake, David Schnitter and Chico Freeman and trumpeters Clark Terry, Valery Ponomarev, Jack Walrath and Ted Curson; also bassist Eddie Gomez, as well as many others. He has led a quintet that included Tom Harrell and saxophonist Bob Malach, and he has recorded several albums as a leader, including 1997’s “Cutting Edge.” He is also a prominent jazz educator and instrumental instructor in the New York and New Jersey area.

• Peter Lin on Trombone. Peter Lin is a Taiwanese-American trombonist, producer, and educator based in New Jersey/New York City. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in northern New Jersey, Peter played violin and piano before picking up the trombone at 10 years old. His love for music continued, motivating him to pursue a jazz studies degree at the esteemed music programs of William Paterson University (undergraduate) and Rutgers University (graduate). Since then, he has become an integral part of the music scene, performing and sharing the stage with renowned artists including Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, Valerie Ponomarev, JD Allen, and Radam Schwartz. He also spent a considerable amount of time studying with his influences, including trombone masters Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, and Frank Lacy. He continues to perform prolifically as both a leader and sideman at established venues such as Blue Note, Dizzy’s, Birdland, Smalls, Fat Cat, Zinc Bar, and Candlelight Lounge.

• Takashi Otsuka on Bass – A consummate bassist, Takashi also studied composition and arranging with Herb Pomeroy, Bob Freedman and Ken Pullig, and improvisation theory with Gary Burton at Berklee College of Music. Takashi has appeared with various artists including the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Seiji Ozawa, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Ben E. King, Swing Express under the direction of Bill Conway, the Latin Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Victor Rendon, Don Sebesky, Bob Mintzer, Charles McPherson, Marion Meadows, Lew Solof, Ted Curson, Claudio Roditi, Norman Simmons, Vic Juris, John Hart, Bob Devos, Ron Affif, Pete Levin, Virginia Mayhew, Jack Walrath, Billy Hart, Eliot Zigmund and many more.

• Noel Sagerman on Drums – Noel Sagerman began playing drums at St. Cloud elementary school in West Orange, NJ. He started playing professionally while attending the University of Vermont, often gigging with ArtisShare founder Brian Camelio and Jazz Mandolin Project founder Jamie Masefield. After graduating he spent a year playing in Japan, including gigs with Chicago native Hank Hirsch and noted Japanese pianist and educator Sadayasa Fujii. In 1992 Noel returned to NJ and furthered his studies with teachers Bobby Thomas, Billy Higgins, and Tim Horner. He also became a regular at The Peppermint Lounge and started working regularly in the NY/NJ area. Some artists he has worked with include Irene Reid, Pharoah Sanders, “Big” John Patton, David “Fathead” Newman, Oliver Lake, Bruce Williams, Dave Stryker, Pat Tandy, Freddie Hendrix, Brandon McCune, Pete Rodriguez, and many others. He currently resides in Newark, NJ, and plays for gospel singer/pianist Joshua Nelson both on tour and at Hopewell Baptist Church.

Check out this performance on Friday, April 1, 7pm at Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201 https://www.bradfordhayes.com/

April 6: Gene Ghee Quartet featuring Bertha Hope

Gene Ghee Quartet featuring Bertha Hope with Kim Clarke and Luciana Padmore

Gene Ghee — Sax – Gene Ghee (saxophone, flute, clarinet) is long-time performer and educator. He graduated from NYU with a music education undergrad degree, from the Manhattan School of Music with an MA for music performance and from Columbia University Teachers College with a Master of Education degree. He has appeared as a sideman with an array of performers from Art Blakey to Stevie Wonder, and is also a recipient of the Daily News Music Teacher Recognition Award.

Bertha Hope — Piano — Jazz pianist Bertha Hope-Booker was born on November 8, 1936and was raised in western Los Angeles, California, As a youth, she performed in numerous Los Angeles clubs, studied piano at Los Angeles Community College and received her B.A. degree in early childhood education from Antioch College. In her youth, she played music with and learned from other young musicians in her neighborhood such as Richie Powell and Elmo Hope, the latter becoming her husband in 1957. She moved with Elmo Hope to the Bronx, New York, where she worked at a telephone company during the day while performing at night. After her husband’s passing in 1967, she continued to present his music and remained an active force in improvised music within the New York jazz scene.. Through the Jersey State Council on the Arts program, she performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Nat Adderley and Philly Joe Jones. Hope-Booker later married Walter Booker, Jr., and the two worked to keep the music of Elmo Hope alive through Hope-Booker’s tribute ensemble called ELMOllenium and The Elmo Hope Project. She also performs with a Jazz program at Washington Irving High School in New York City, which was sponsored by Bette Midler. The Seattle-based trio, New Stories, has recorded a CD of Hope-Booker's music entitled, Hope Is In the Air. https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/bertha-hope-41

Bertha received two lifetime achievement awards; one in 2002 from Cobi Narita's Jazz Coalition and the second from Dr. Billy Taylorin 2005 at the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C. In 2014, Bertha's three year oral history project was made available in the Library of Congress, and she was celebrated as a Bronx Living Legend by the Bronx Music Heritage Center. In September 2016, the Bronx tree lined block of Lyman Place where Elmo, Bertha and baby daughter lived was co-named “Elmo Hope Way–Jazz Pioneer.” Sidenote Gregory Burrus was born and lived on Lyman place also and knew the Hope family so I am very excited for this performance.

Kim Clarke — Bass – bassist, composer, bandleader, educator performs alternately on the Acoustic Bass, Electric Upright , four and five-stringed Electric Bass Guitar. Holds B.A.’s in Communications and Music from City College and Long Island University respectively, and is a 3- time recipient of the coveted N E A Jazz Study Fellowship; under the tutelage of Bass Masters Ron Carter, Buster Williams and Lisle Atkinson respectively. Ms Clarke is also a long-time student of the Jazzmobile and Barry Harris Workshops.

Lucianna Padmore — Drums – New York based drummer Lucianna Padmore has been praised by Modern Drummer magazine for “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.” Lucianna’s versatile drumming is featured with artists in the Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, Rock, Pop and Fusion genres. An alumnus of LaGuardia High School for Music and the Performing Arts and the New School University, she has received awards from Jazz at Lincoln Center and BMI for her jazz improvisation.

https://www.facebook.com/jazz973

Check it out on Wednesday, April 6th, 7:00pm showtime. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/gregory-burrus-17227441816

April 7: George Gray Group Jazzical at IJS Clements Place

RUTGER’S INSTITUTE OF JAZZ STUDIES AT CLEMENT’S PLACE PRESENTS
GEORGE GRAY FEATURING THE GROUP JAZZICAL

By popular demand George Gray returns with the versatile jazz group Jazzical featuring Jeff Sheloff on sax, Mark Adams on piano, Derrick Barker on vibes, Donald Nicks on acoustic bass and George Gray on drums! We are here to play authentic jazz at its best so why not join us.

Check it out Thursday, April 7th, 7:00pm showtime. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201 – Register: [link TBD]

April 8: Steve Slagle at IJS Clements Place

Steve Slagle – Alto Sax, Flute, Composer, Band Leader, Educator

Saxophonist, flutist and composer Steve Slagle makes his home in New York City. He has released 20 CD’s as a leader, and performed on countless others. His many original compositions are published by Slagle Music, BMI worldwide. Steve was musical director of the Mingus Big Band for many years, and wrote many of the bands arrangements as well with Joe Lovano’s Nonet, of which he is a member. He has received two Grammy Awards for recordings with each of those groups and continues his association with them. Steve attended Berklee College of Music in Boston on a Downbeat scholarship at age 18 and subsequently received his Masters in Music at MSM in NYC.

He has played with Stevie Wonder, Machito’s Afro-Cuban Orchestra, Steve Kuhn, Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, Brazil’s Milton Nascimento and band, Carla Bley Orchestra, Ray Barretto, Beastie Boys, and many others.

Check it out on Friday, April 8th, 7:30pm showtime. Clément’s Place 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201

April 9: MPack Music at South Valley BBQ and Lounge

Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ and Lounge. Thankfully we can go back inside and this year as Jazzy Nights is happy to present MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ & Lounge. This jazzy night will have our favorites performing:  

Groove Master Clarence Conover  – Bandleader, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist . Clarence Conover ‘Groove Master’ Conover is the founder, and CEO of M-Pack Music productions whose motto is “Life Changing Sounds”. Clarence has performed and recorded with Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington Jr., The Delfonics, Bo Diddley, and more. Clarence has performed at numerous venues across the Tri-State area and more.

Vocalist Patricia Walton – ,Lead Vocal stylist – Jazz, Blues and R&B. Lead vocalist for MPack Band. Performs Solo gigs and has worked with many of New Jersey’s finest jazz musicians.  

Keyboardist – Larry Greenberg – Multi-keyboardist and synthesist, composer/arranger, bandleader, and studio musician performs in multiple genres of Funk, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, R&B and Latin Rock. A ‪Skyy band member “Call Me” topped Billboard’s R&B chart and was No. 26 on the pop side.

Drummer – Kevin Moore – This Master Drum from East Orange High Scholl has performed in numerous venues across the industry, was part of the popular Band Aurra – Interviewed by Don Cornelius and performed on the cutting edge of music, dance and culture Nationwide TV Show Soul Train.

Guitarist – Kenny Robinson – Newark Arts High School Alum is an in demand guitarist, a former long time band member of The Black Widow Blues Band along with Ricki Lewis and has played at numerous venues , churches and special events around the Tri State area.

MPack brings an explosive energy to the stage, guaranteed to rock the house all night long! Dinning, drinking, dancing, singing, talking, connecting, seat dancing, listening and more will be happening in the Blue Room.

Join Us -Jazzy Nights at South Valley BBQ and Lounge Jazzy Nights Presents MPack Music Live at South Valley BBQ and Lounge

April 15: Peter Lin – The Slide Sessions at IJS Clements Place

Peter Lin – The Slide Sessions Music and Legacy of Slide Hamptons

Slide Hampton was a trombonist, arranger, and composer with skills very few could match. He could take a small band and make it sound like an orchestra — not just in vastness, but in excitement, impression and intricate layers of sound. His arrangements found the visceral core of bebop classics and revealed their stunning beauty and spine-tingling glory. When he raised his horn to solo, the results were always impressive: a deep mix of profound blues and complex technique. He was a true original. As a jazz educator, Hampton was active at Harvard University, DePaul and several other institutions

This event will be a musical tribute to the legendary Slide Hampton. Bandleader Peter Lin will present an evening of Slide Hampton’s compositions and arrangements in a quintet setting, along with personal anecdotes and reflections on Slide’s legacy. According to Peter Lin, who first contacted Hampton for an interview for his graduate thesis, and later became his assistant: “Without Slide Hampton, I would not be playing trombone today, and I think many other musicians would feel the same sentiment.”

Joining him are veteran musicians of multiple generations. Mike Karn – Bass, Tadataka Unno – Keys, Jerome Jennings – Drums and Nicole Glover – Sax.

Check out this very special performance on Friday, April 15th, at 7:30pm. Clément’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201 https://www.peterlinmusic.com

April 23: Smooth Vocals, R&B and All That Jazz at the Woodland Mansion

Spring fever is at its peak at the historic Woodland Mansion in Maplewood NJ.

This show is the brainchild of Rich Engel, a local resident, producer and promoter - who for decades produced numerous NYC Smooth Jazz cruises along with many other marquee live music concerts. Engel says he is determined to make contemporary jazz a staple in the SOMA (South Orange Maplewood) area and beyond and he is demonstrating that he is very committed. This show is a group of serious hardcore Smooth jazz and R&B veterans, all have performed with many legends in the industry and now they have also established themselves as stars of this music.

Smooth Vocals R&B with:

• Maysa Leak (Singer) Deep Waters – Grammy-nominated, Soul Train Award Winning Soul/Jazz

• Alexander Zonjic Jazz flutist (multiple winner Detroit Music Awards)

• James Lloyd (Keyboardist) from Pieces of a Dream, Grover Washington Jr., Walter Beasley , Eric Darius, Everett Harp, Gail Jhonson, Hiroshima, Wayman Tisdale, Najee, and more.

• Kris Kurzawa (Guitar), Most In Demand Detroit Guitarist – 5X’s Detroit Music Awardee

• Jeff Candy (Drums),

• Mike Harrington (Bass). Tours with Brian Culbertso, The Spinners, KEM, Jeff Lorber, Kirk Whalum, Kim Burrell, Angela Bofill, Marion Medows and more

Check it out on Saturday, April 23rd, 8:00pm showtime. The Woodlands – 60 Woodland Road. Maplewood, NJ 07040.

Buy tickets here: Smooth Vocals. R&B and All that Jazz at The Woodland Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

April 29: Carla Cook at IJS Clements Place

Carla Cook
There’s a reason for that: Cook has been influenced by the jazz vocal masters, but equally influenced by phenomenal instrumentalists, like Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery and The Crusaders. The Detroit native also finds inspiration in R&B, Motown, pop, gospel and country. In fact, she has put her unique phrasing on everything from Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues” to Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” to Neil Young’s  “Heart of Gold”.

As a result, Cook has an improvisational style that’s steeped in the swing tradition yet eclectic, and brimming with fresh interpretations. “Although I’ve been influenced by all the masters, I’ve been maturing into my own sound, “says Cook. “Today, I sound exactly like me.”
That sound is a warm contralto with a remarkably wide range of colors; known for her interpretive gifts, Cook can sing in a hefty, bluesy timbre, reach crystal clear high notes, then scat with sure-footed richness; and she does it all with an acute sense of rhythm and timing. As a result, says jazz critic John Murph of The Washington Post. “She has sass that enlivens her impeccable diction, and tremendous soul that lets her swagger with gutbucket finesse, but it’s all buttressed with sparkling optimism and innocence.”

Check it out on Friday, April 29th, 7:30pm showtime. Clément’s Place 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07201

April 30: Special Event at South Valley BBQ and Lounge

International Jazz Day | April 30, 2022

Stay Tuned for a Special Event

Come join me around town. Hope to see you.

About the Author — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various other community and private activities.

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus

Interview with the Dynamic, Multifaceted, Multidimensional Dara Starr Tucker

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, March 11, 2022

Today on Interviews by Gregory Burrus Productions, we encountered a truly fabulous, soulful multidimensional singer. As you may know, a  live music career is a business that requires the performer to stay relevant in the audience’s mind. The performer in order to be successful must be committed to ensure long-term relevance. Dara Tucker has found many ways to stay in the minds of fans using multiple platforms and, as her bio proclaims, singer/songwriter Dara Tucker is no stranger to producing “composition as commentary.”  

“Dreams of Waking (album) refers to the hope that our society will develop an awareness of the inequities that still exist,” Tucker said. “It’s the dream that we will become fully conscious and attuned to the hopes, dreams and needs of every human being.”

Happily for us, we were able to book Dara Tucker for a Jazz973 event at Clements Place Jazz. Having done some preliminary research, we wanted to catch up with Dara and understand more about her upcoming event and get to know a little more about this multidimensional person. Take a listen.

Dara Tucker - Interview by Lynette Sheard 

Dara Starr Tucker Interviewed by Lynette Sheard for Gregory Burrus Productions.

Dara Tucker - Singer / Songwriter

Dara Tucker has an extensive singing career with many successful awards and accomplishments.  She began songwriting while living in Switzerland in 2003 and moved to Nashville in 2004 to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. She recorded the first of her albums, "All Right Now" in 2009. It featured mostly Great American Songbook standards. Her second album, Soul Said Yes (2011), was a blend of R&B, jazz and Gospel and it made Amazon.com's top 10 R&B chart within a few weeks of its release. Tucker's third release, The Sun Season (2014), was recorded in Astoria, Queens, New York. It reached number 62 on the JazzWeek charts on September 22, 2014. 

In 2015, Dara was interviewed by Tavis Smiley for his PBS television show, where she performed an original song she wrote with her sister, Diamond Tucker, entitled, "Giants" from The Sun Season. In 2016, she opened for Gregory Porter in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. That year, Dara Tucker was a finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival's vocal competition. In 2017, she won the silver medal at the "American Traditions" vocal competition in Savannah, which requires singers to perform in 9 separate genres.

Dara Tucker — Entrepreneur, Documentary Filmmaker and Writer 

Dara has produced a docu-series on Nashville musicians called, "Music City Select" through her production company, GoldenTime Films. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post where she writes essays on her personal experiences as a minority and a woman in the entertainment business. Her article, "Here's to the Ladies Who Cuss" was featured on The Huffington Post Voices homepage. In my research, I found this comment:

“In the coming year, I will be more loving, and I will be kinder. I will also stake a claim in my own life. I am compelled to make room for myself. I will not always be pleasing or appropriate, but I will blossom. If something is deemed inappropriate for my life, let it be me who does the deeming. I will scream when I need to scream. I will shout and be heard. And I will cuss when I feel like cussing.”  

This definitely leads us to the other Dara, who produces “composition as commentary.”

Dara Tucker — Social Commentator 

The great part about these interviews is the advanced research we do, and on this one our interviewer Lynette Sherd was way ahead of me. While I saw music, Lynette alerted me to the massively active and successful TikTok-er, Dara Starr Tucker.  

Now, for those that think TikTok is just dance and jokes, you should know that the Economic Times reported that: “The rankings show that TikTok knocked Google off the top spot in February, March and June this year, and has held the number one position since August. San Francisco: Popular short video-sharing platform TikTok has surpassed tech giant Google as the most popular website of the year, says a report. Dec 25, 2021.” Well, being in the top ten is huge; knocking off number one is phenomenal.

Dara, as a social commentary person, definitely delivers on the statement that I love, which is producing “composition as commentary.” This is evident when you jump on the other Dara Starr Tucker channels. With 17K followers on Instagram, her individual videos have received in some cases over 12K comments. Meanwhile, her social commentary on TikTok has 687 thousand followers, with individual videos garnering 1.6K comments. The engagement she has is truly amazing. 

Dara Tucker — Performs at James Moody Scholars Performance

More recently, we had the pleasure of listening to Dara Tucker when she was a guest performer at the James Moody Scholars event. The event was special for us as Linda Moody wanted to honor the James Moody Scholarship Scholars with a live music concert during her time here as the first lady of the TD Moody Jazz Festival.  There has been a recipient each year of the scholarship and now there were enough of them to have a band with a rhythm section. You can read more here as the James Moody Jazz Scholars Honored His Legacy In South Orange NJ. 

This is where we first heard her wonderful voice and we encourage all of you to come on out and listen to her sing. It's a treat you don’t want to miss.  

Jazz973 Presents Dara Starr Tucker and her Band at Clements Place Jazz

Dara Starr Tucker is making her mark in the world of music and activism as a singer, satirist and social commentator. Her latest album, Dreams of Waking: Music For A Better World (2021), was featured on Grammy.com and in American Songwriter Magazine. On the album, Tucker embraces the urgent, topical works of songwriters of the protest era, along with her own compositions, as vessels for justice awareness, instruction and healing. Last summer, the album reached #7 on the Jazzweek National Radio Charts and reached #6 on the ITUNES jazz chart.

Additionally, Dara Starr Tucker is the co-writer of "Oklahoma," the title song on Keb Mo's 2020 Grammy-winning "Best Americana Album." Tucker's justice and musical commentary on social media has been featured with HBO and Yahoo News. She has toured as a member of master guitarist Charlie Hunter's trio, appeared on NPR's Jazz Night in America and made her national television debut on PBS. Most recently, Dara has performed at Central Jersey Jazz Festival, Newark Museum of Art Jazz Series, Birdland (VocalMania), Smoke Jazz Club and Minton's.

Join Us: March 23, 7 - 10PM, Clements Place Jazz. 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ.

Click to learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-dara-tucker-and-her-band-at-clements-place-jazz-tickets-295322667047

 About the Author — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. 

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus   
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus 

Kim Clarke Trio at Jazz973 Clements Place Jazz for 2022 Women's History Month and Lady Got Chops Festival

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, March 1, 2022

In its 20th year, the Lady Got Chops Festival Women’s History Month Music & Arts Festival presents some of the most notable women professionals playing Jazz in the industry. Since I love the concept of this festival, take a listen to our conversation between our fabulous interviewer Lynette Sheard with Bassist and Lady Got Chops Festival Founder Kim Clarke. Then, we write about Kim Clarke and her fabulous trio joining us at Clements Place Jazz for Women's History Month as part of the Lady Got Chops Festival. 

Lady Got Chops Festival 2022

Goddess on the tiger. Lady Got Chops 2022 calendar.

The Lady Got Chops festival, is an annual March Women’s History Month celebration which was conceived in 2003 by The Jazz Spot club owners Lillith Meyers, Tiecha Merritt and female bassist Kim Clarke. It was created to give women performers and bandleaders a chance to be recognized for their valuable contributions to the arts, and to globally elevate Women's History Month through the promotion of women's outstanding contributions (aka Chops), artistic and otherwise, during the month of March.

For seven years the festival was hosted at the legendary Jazz Spot in Brooklyn, New York until it closed its doors in 2009. The festival included a dance troupe in 2010 and had been renamed the Lady Got Chops Women’s History Month Music and Arts Festival. The festival has continued every March under the leadership of Kim Clarke. 

The Lady Got Chops Women's History Month Music & Arts Festival Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. Check out the history and this year’s lineup at http://ladygotchops.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ladygotchopsfestival.

Jazz973 Presents Kim Clarke Trio at Clements Place Jazz

For WHM2022, Kim Clarke is bringing with her some jazz industry heavyweights to perform at Rutgers-Newark Institute of Jazz Studies - Clements Place Jazz Club:

• Kim Clarke- Bass

• Iyayo Ikawa - Piano

• Luciana Padmore - Drums

Kim Clarke — Bass

Kim is a founding member of the Lady Got Chops Festival. According to her website:

“New York native Kim A. Clarke is a parent, bassist, composer, bandleader, website developer, educator and earring designer. She performs alternately on the Acoustic Bass, Electric Upright, four and five-stringed Electric Bass Guitar, as the situation demands.

As an acoustic bassist, Kim traveled most notably with the late Joe Henderson Quartet (1986-7) throughout Europe. Internationally, she is noted as “at home in the Ron Carter School of HardBop”, “a dynamic Woman in Jazz who supported the intense rhythm of the Henderson group with unsuspected vitality and melodic solo passages,” as noted in the bio of the famed bassist Larry Graham, a great early influence on her playing concept. As an electric bassist, she has toured most extensively with Joseph Bowie's Defunkt Downtown in the 80s & Millennium Lineups.

She has performed with: Art Blakey, Marylou Williams, Bertha Hope, Harold Ousley, Jimmy Heath, Leon Thomas, Sun Ra, Sam Rivers, George Braith and Space Island, Rashied Ali, Junior Cooke, Ed Pazant, Clifford Jordan, Richard Williams, Tommy Turrentine, Steve Coleman and Five Elements, Andy Bey, Lionel Hampton, Arturo O'Farrill, Dr. Billy Taylor, Olu Dara, Cindy Blackman, Marilyn Mazur, Gracian Moncur, Philly Joe Jones, Geri Allen, Johnny O’Neal, and vocalists: Evelyn Blakey, Dakota Staton, Sarah Vaughn, Sheila Jordan, Antoinette Montague, Nikita White, Vanessa Rubin, Cassandra Wilson, Adela Dalto: George Gee Big Band, Jean-Paul Bourelly, the Ghetto Fighters (background vocalists with Jimi Hendrix), Victor Jones and Black Velvet. She toured China, performing with Mark Zhu, Chuangye Liu, Ronnie Burrage and Wayne Esscofery at the Dalian University of the Arts and the new Beijing Blue Note.

She participated in the Black Girls Rock Orchestra of 2016. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim hosted the Jazz Foundation Jam session at Local 802 for seven years. Post-pandemic, the Jazz Foundation and Steve Jordan hosted a tribute to Charlie Parker called "BIRD CALLS." Highlights of 2019 musical collaborations include performing with Bertha Hope's Elmo Hope Project for the 28th Annual Jazz Foundation of America Loft Party.

Her touring experiences include work with the Yusef Lateef Quartet, National Black Theatre, The Are and Be Ensemble, Teri Thornton Trio, Bertha Hope Trio, Robert Palmer, Kit McClure Big Band, Rachel Z Trio, Bigfood, Wallace Roney and Cindy Blackman Quartet, Rhonda Ross-Kendrick, Oliver Lake and Jump Up, James Blood Ulmer Experience, Jack Mc Duff Quartet, Rodney Kendricks Quartet, and Jazzberry Jam.

She is also a recipient of Louis Armstrong Performing Arts Award — ElmCor Ivan Bartowski mention on Jazz Family Tree.”

Yayoi Ikawa — Piano

“Yayoi is a wonder that comes along very rarely in each generation. A big intellect, with a big emotional spectrum, and a totally unique sound... She can do anything she thinks or feels” — Gil Goldstein (arranger/pianist)

According to her website:

“Born in Tokyo, Japan, but raised musically in New York, Yayoi is an experience in ingenuity and compassion. As an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, Yayoi has worked in many countries. Being exposed to the diverse music scene in New York after moving from Japan, Yayoi quickly adopted herself in various styles of music such as Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Soul, Classical and World music. After completing her studies at New School where she received the Henry and Gill Block scholarship, Yayoi was a faculty member at the International Jazz and Dance Academy in Slovenia along with her mentor Reggie Workman in 2003 and 2004.

After recording a straight ahead jazz piano trio on the Nippon Crown release “Angel Eyes” in 2004, she self-produced “Color of Dreams” in 2005, displaying her original compositions. Yayoi has toured nationally as well as internationally with her groups and appeared at International Jazz festivals in Japan, Italy, Haiti, France, Slovenia, and Costa Rica. In 2008, Yayoi started “The Bridge Project” to create musical dialogue between New York and Tokyo musicians in an experimental environment. In 2009, the project toured in Costa Rica through a sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy. While working towards her master's degree at NYU, Yayoi’s orchestra work premiered at Lincoln Center in 2007. As a composer and arranger, Yayoi received commissions from the Modern Music Society of Tokyo, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Montreal-based sculptor David Baumflek.

Yayoi has worked with such legendary artists as Reggie Workman, Michael Carvin, Howard Johnson, Michal Urbaniak, Butch Morris, Craig Harris, Lenny Pickett, Frank Lacy, Lonnie Plaxico, Fostina Dixon, Salim Washington, Emeline Michel, James Germain, Daniel Bernard Roumain, The Meditations, Kaissa, Blitz the Ambassador, and more. Yayoi is a Music Director at First Baptist Church in Piscataway, NJ, and a jazz piano instructor at City College of New York, Brooklyn College. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan.”

Her musical activities can also be seen on her website, www.yayoiikawa.net.

Lucianna Padmore — Drums

According to her website:

“Bronx native and New York-based drummer Lucianna Padmore has been praised by Modern Drummer magazine for “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.” Lucianna's versatile drumming is featured with artists in the Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, Rock, Pop and Fusion genres. An alumnus of LaGuardia High School for Music and the Performing Arts and the New School University, she has received awards from Jazz at Lincoln Center and BMI for her jazz improvisation.

As an educator, she is active in drum instruction and jazz outreach in the NY Tri-State area and abroad. Lucianna's current live performance projects include residencies in and around the Tri-State area with the John Smith Trio, as a member of HotJazz Jumpers, drummer for singer-songwriter Alyson Murray, Bertha Hope's Nu Trio and Quintet, as well as leading her own Quartet.

Lucianna Is working on various compositions of her own, in which she has just independently released a single entitled “Life Long Love Affair” featuring the incredible saxophonist Mr. Gerald Albright on alto saxophone. “Life Long Love Affair” is now available for purchase on all major digital platforms.

Lucianna is featured in the book Sticks and Skins, endorses Soul-Tone Cymbals, and plays her signature Scorpion 3A drumsticks.”

You can learn more about this fabulous drummer here: https://www.luciannapadmore.com 

Closing Thoughts

In closing, know that Jazz973 Presents Kim Clarke Trio at Clements Place Jazz will take place at 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102 on Wednesday, March 2nd, 7-9:30pm as part of the Lady Got Chops Festival. Prepare for a fabulous night of jazz.  

Also know that the Lady Got Chops Festival runs for the entire month of March, so go support and prepare to hear some fabulous jazz all over the Tri-State area. There is a full calendar of events with some fabulous music every day. Check it out right here: The 20th Anniversary LADY GOT CHOPS Women's History Month Music & Arts Festival Calendar of Events. 

About the Author 

Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures, and records live music events along with various other community and private activities.

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus  
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus  

Jazz973 Swinging Hard with Norman Mann and Rafiki at Clements Place Jazz for Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, December 12, 2021

One of the many tasks I perform every year is producing and promoting live music events. Curating the right band relies a lot on the bandleader bringing out all the right musicians and getting them to perform in a synchronous manner. This season, Gregory Burrus Productions had a number of "Norman Mann and Rafiki" live music performances that stood out as outstanding. This was evidenced by sold out, very happy audiences enjoying themselves to the maximum. Let's listen to a few performances and then meet the band.

Norman Mann and Rafiki were live in South Orange Downtown Live Music Concerts in August, and it was started then eventually was rained out. The band was Norman Mann on Percussion/Vocals, Gene Ghee on Sax, Peter Lin on Trombone, Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) on Vocals, Christopher Dean Sullivan on Bass, Alvester Garnett on Drums with James Austin Jr. on Piano. For the time they performed, it was oh so sweet.

They came back together again, live at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies’ Clements Place Jazz in Newark, NJ. They all got together and produced a truly awesome live music concert. The band configuration was Norman Mann on Percussion, vocals, Gene Ghee on Sax, Peter Lin on Trombone, Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) on Vocals, Christopher Dean Sullivan on Bass, Sir G. Earl Grice on Drums, Tomoko Ohno on Piano. 

As you can see and hear, Norman Mann curates a stellar list of musicians that perform some incredible sets. Part of this may be hinted at in the band name Rafiki. Norman has been quoted as saying, "Rafiki is a Swahili word that translates to English as ‘friend.’”  So now, let's meet the friends in the band. 

Norman Mann — Bandleader — Percussionist

Norman Mann, an alumni and Football Hall of Famer of Weequahic High School is widely respected within the community and was honored to perform at the East Orange Library’s tribute to Amiri Baraka.

Norman, along with Greg Salandis, are widely known for their past partnership at Skippers Plane Street Pub in November 2007. Skippers was a very popular spot in Newark located on University Ave and was a welcomed addition to Newark's nightlife. It was a place where music, food, drink, and conversation were the rage and occurred in a comfortable, friendly environment. Skippers featured many of the Tri-State’s musicians and singers. Norman Mann, as a musician, plays congas, percussion and also sings. He has appeared with drummers Greg Buford, Alvester Garnett, and singers Ty Stephens, Joy Topping Mann, Tomoko Ohno, and Dwight West along with one of Jersey's top organists and keyboardists, Mel Davis, to name a few. 

Norman and his bands have performed in numerous venues around Northern New Jersey such as Montclair’s Trumpets Jazz Club, Newark’s Priory Jazz Club, City of Orange’s Mr. Jays, Jazz In Spiotta Park and Jazz On Sloan in South Orange, NJ. Norman is the CEO of G Mann Productions, has produced jazz shows at many of the Tri-State area clubs and lately has been producing events in Irvington’s Cricket Club.  

Following are the bios of some truly cool members of the band.

Tomoko Ohno — Pianist

Tomoko Ohno, born in Tokyo, began piano studies at the age of 4. As a teenager, she began playing professionally in the Tokyo area jazz scene. After graduating from Rikkyo University in Law and Politics, Miss Ohno moved to the United States and entered the Jazz Studies Program at William Paterson University in New Jersey, where she studied with Harold Mabern and Rufus Reid. During this time she had the opportunity to perform with such artists as Jerome Richardson, Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson and Joe Henderson. A recipient of the Student Award of Outstanding Performance and a member of the Dean’s List, Miss Ohno graduated with a B.A. in Jazz Studies.

She has performed at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital, Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Birdland , in addition to appearing on live radio broadcasts by WBGO and WNYC, and ABC TV's Good Morning America. She has performed and/or recorded with Slide Hampton, Claudio Roditi, James Spaulding, Rufus Reid, The John Lee Quartet, The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band and Sherry Maricle and the Diva Jazz Orchestra, as well as working as a side musician with such diverse musical ensembles as the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble and The Spirit of Life Ensemble.

Miss Ohno also leads her own group, and has released three CDs on the Japan-based Tokuma label. In 1997 her first album, “Powder Blue” was released, and in 1999 her second album, “Affirmation” was released, followed in 2000 by the album "Natural Woman." Her album "Shadows of Spring" (recorded in Argentina) was released by MDR Records in 2005. "Tomoko Ohno in Buenos Aires" was also released by MDR Records in 2007. The duet album with legendary Argentine guitarist Ricardo Lew " From Tokyo to Buenos Aires " was released in spring 2011. The duo added the cellist Nestor Tedesco from Teatro Colon and released the Tango/Jazz album " Tres Sabores " in 2016.

http://www.tomokoohno.com

Gene Ghee — Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

Gene Ghee - (saxophone, flute, clarinet) is a long-time performer and educator. He graduated from NYU with a music education undergrad degree, from the Manhattan School of Music with an MA for music performance and from Columbia University Teachers College with a Master of Education degree. He has appeared as a sideman with an array of performers from Art Blakey to Stevie Wonder and is also a recipient of the Daily News Music Teacher Recognition Award.

Gene Ghee is a highly in-demand saxophonist and has performed with numerous professionals such as Art Blakey Jr., Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Teddy Pendergrass, Anita Baker, B.T.Express, Arthur Prysock, Little Anthony and The Imperials. Add to that Etta Jones, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Benny Powell, Eddie Palmieri, Machito, and Barry Harris plus the list goes on. He's a performer on recordings of Stevie Wonder (Do I Do), played tenor saxophone and contracted the horn section for the session which included Frank Wess, Virgil Jones, Ron Tooley, Britt Woodman, Clifton Anderson, Victor Paz and others. Recordings / performances with the likes of Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Village People, Candi Staton. T.S.Monk plus many more national and international performers.

Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim)

Joy Topping Mann (aka Ife Basim) - In her early days as a Contemporary Christian artist, songwriter and arranger, Joy Topping-Mann co-produced three CD projects of original music which she performed nationally and internationally with her band ‘Gifts.’ She has opened for other well-known Christian artists, was signed with Jamm Records, a Los Angeles, California record company, and has had her music played on radio stations throughout the U.S.

As a producer and promoter of special events, Joy has received local acclaim for the Annual Women’s History Month Celebrations held each March at the St. Joseph’s Plaza (formerly known as the Priory) located in Newark, New Jersey. These uniquely memorable experiences have focused on honoring extraordinary women for their outstanding accomplishments, Audiences have been treated to virtuoso performances by the Tri-state’s most talented artists.

As a jazz vocalist, Joy’s rich melodic voice and unique phrasing take the listener back to the days of classic jazz, invoking shades of Sarah Vaughan and hints at the daring of Billie Holiday. Warmly embraced by enthusiastic audiences, she has appeared at several venues throughout the Tri-state area.

https://www.jerseyindie.com/blog/whm2021-womens-history-month-celebration-by-ife-basim-masterpieces

Christopher Dean Sullivan — Bass

Christopher Dean Sullivan - “a bassist who is authoritative and bluesy while bending notes that honor his affection for legends such as Slam Stewart as well as Ray Brown.” ~ Steve Monroe, Jazz Journalists Association

The critically acclaimed Chicago Ill born, Pittsburgh PA raised bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan is well traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad. Christopher started his career in Pittsburgh , PA. After a few years in Germany he returned to Pittsburgh and honed his craft as a bassist during his time with the Jazz Workshop Inc., located in the Homewood district, under the direction of Harold Young Sr, and the Archives, located in the Hill district, developed by Errol “Mobutu” Reynolds (Grant Green, Johnny Lytle), where Chris in his words stated …“I got the honor to perform with guitarist Grant Green on three different occasions, through my association with the Archives.”

Chris quickly became known for his own unique approach to playing the bass. He formed local commercial groups that would go on to open up concerts for such bands of notoriety as the Ohio Players, The Bar-Kays, New Birth, The Tavares, and others. Chris decided to expand his musical horizons and started performing with the jazz notables of the Pittsburgh, PA region; Joe Harris (Dizzy Gillespie), Roger Humphries (Horace Silver), Nathan Davis (Pitt University), arranger Arthur Powell, Pete Henderson, Larry Mcgee, Nelson Harrison (Count Basie), J. C. Moses (Eric Dolphy), Geri Allen, Carl Arter, Jothan Callins (Sun Rah), and others. Soon he achieved the opportunity to perform and travel with music notables Lou Soloff, Jimmy Owens, Johnny Lytle, and others for a number of years before locating to New York City.

While residing in the New York region Christopher Dean Sullivan has had the opportunity to share the stage in performance and/or record with Archie Shepp, Sheila Jordan, Carter Jefferson, Yusef Lateef, Odean Pope, Stanley Jordan, Freddie Hubbard, Billy Hart, Christian McBride, Stanley Jordan,

Sonny Fortune, Horace Parlan, Carl Grubbs, Irene Reid, Richie Cole, Jon Faddis, Vanessa Rubin, Eddie Henderson, Bob Gluck, Charli Persip, Henry Grimes, Pete Seeger, Roy Campbell, Della Griffin, Barbara Sfraga, Joe Lovano, Cotton Club All Star Band, Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Stanley Turrentine, just to name a few.

http://www.christopherdeansullivan.com/

G. Earl Grice — Drums

G. Earl Grice - G. Earl has been playing music throughout the New York City area for the past three decades. His talents stretch from the piano to the drums. His favorite instrument is the drums. He currently plays with the Crown Heights Affair. He is affectionately known as 'Sir Earl' with his fellow musicians. Impressing everyone with his ability to text and drum at the same time.

G. Earl has shared the stage with artists such as Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Rhoda Scott, Stevie Wonder, George Benson and many others.

Earl was also the recipient of the 1997 Jazz Award from the Jamaica Development Corp. Other drummers who have received this award include Max Roach, Roy Haynes, and Charlie Persip.

In addition to his music background, G. Earl has worked on approximately fifty movies and television shows as an actor.

https://www.facebook.com/sir.g.earl 

Peter Lin — Trombone 

Peter Lin - Taiwanese-American trombonist Peter Lin is a young and creative musician active on the New Jersey and New York scene. A graduate of the jazz programs of William Paterson University (undergraduate) and the graduate program of Rutgers University, Peter studied with jazz trombone legends such as Slide Hampton, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, & Frank Lacy. He has performed with many notable artists including Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, Charli Persip, Valerie Ponomarev, JD Allen, & Radam Schwartz. Peter is also an established educator, holding a prestigious faculty position at Melissa Walker & Christian McBride’s non-profit organization, Jazz House Kids.

His first record, With Respect, featured arrangements of classic Chinese and Taiwanese songs, which peaked at #3 on the NACC Charts and #4 on the RMR Charts. His second album, New Age Old Ways, features eight of his original compositions along with an original comic book with illustrations by Kelly Lin.

https://www.yardbirdent.com
https://www.peterlinmusic.com

Norman Mann and Rafiki — South Orange Live Music Concerts

For me, booking this stellar cast of musicians every year means good times and great live music performances. Whether Norman Mann and Raiki are performing jazz originals and/or standards, you are guaranteed to be tapping your feet while dancing and swinging in your seat. These seasoned veterans combined have over 150 years in the entertainment business, creating a wealth of experience from numerous performances around the US and across the World. Hence, I invite you to check out the band Norman Mann and Rafiki and his other events currently at Irvington’s Cricket Club. I guarantee you a really great time. 

About the Author

Gregory Burrus produces, promotes, curates and hosts numerous live music concerts. Gregory Burrus is also a supporter of local businesses and community events. On a regular basis he writes for various art and entertainment news sites, blogs while documenting community events. Just having fun, living life, while helping others.

Learn more at http://gregoryburrusproduction.com.

Jazz973 Returns to Clements Place Jazz Honoring Generations of Jazz Musicians - Fall 2021 (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, December 8, 2021

As Melissa Hawkins says:
“vaccines will — literally — be the ticket” 

After a long “pandemic” hiatus, Jazz973 live music has returned to Newark's Clements Place Jazz  at Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies. Jazz973 debuted in the pre-COVID days, so we are back, but as you can see the curtains aren’t fully up quite yet on normal life. As reported by Melissa Hawkins, an epidemiologist who’s the director of undergraduate programs at American University’s Department of Health Studies: “We’re back to a lot of uncertainty, with the rise in cases and the variant being more transmissible. It’s all about balancing risk.”  But “vaccines will — literally — be the ticket” to our sense of normalcy. 

Thanks to the tenacity of Executive Director, Wayne Winborne, Clements Place Jazz is addressing the risks as we have reopened with new admission / attendance criteria. We have removed half the seats, one must have an Eventbrite registration, vaccine card, personal ID and we are all wearing masks. So far it's been working in bringing Jazz lovers back out to join in the fun. We opened the doors to our jazz-starved Jazz973 patrons and they were happy to be back. What has been really gratifying is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’re getting from customers and from the artists. Hence, we invite folks to come on back.  

To bring you all up to speed, here’s a video recap of the recent Clements Place Jazz live concerts that have been happening in the Jazz973 program:

Jazz973 Presents Leonieke Scheuble Quintet Jazz Across the Generations Quintet  

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 7 pm

The highlight of this fabulous opening event was watching 19-year-old rising star Leonieke Scheuble lead her band of seasoned veterans — Rick Savage - Trumpet, Adam Brenner - Tenor Sax, Nick Scheuble - Drums and 93-year-old Bassist Bill Crow. They performed music from some of our favorite quintet groups from the early 60’s, including Lee Morgan, Art Blakey, Clifford Brown and more! The night's music was jumping all night long. Read more.

Jazz973 Presents Mike Lee Family Band Introducing Jacquie Lee 

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 7 pm  

Jacquie Lee was being introduced to the Newark jazz scene in a big way. The Jazz973 program at Clements Place was proud to present the Mike Lee Family Band as they introduced violinist Jacqueline Lee at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies. In 2019 at Garfield Middle school, Jacquie, who has been playing Violin for 11 years, received the Jazz Soloist Downbeat Student Music Award for an Outstanding Performance. Jacquie has also been a member of the prestigious Jazz House Kids program in Montclair, NJ. Read More.

Jazz973 Presents Matt Chertkoff Trio with Houston Person 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 7 pm with 

While all these cats are seasoned veterans — Matt Cherkoff, Vince Ector and Mike Karn, it was led by the awesome guitarist, Matt Chertkoff, and the special guest was the phenomenal saxophonist Houston Person. Person built his reputation as a leader with a series of soulful recordings for Prestige in the 1960s. For a large part of his career, he is best known for his partnership with vocalist Etta Jones, which lasted for 35 years. He has recorded with such luminaries as Charles Brown, Ron Carter, Bill Charlap, Charles Earland, Lena Horne, Etta Jones, Lou Rawls, Janis Siegel, Horace Silver, Dakota Staton, Cedar Walton, plus Billy Butler, Don Patterson, Grant Green, Sonny Phillips, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes and others.  Read more.

Jazz973 Presents Radam Schwartz Quartet Set 1 at Clements Place Jazz

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 7 pm 

Radam Schwartz, Hammond B3 Organist and Jazz pianist, built his reputation over the last 30 years playing with such great artists as Arthur and Red Prysock, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Hibler, David Fathead Newman, Russell Malone, Cecil Brooks III and Jimmy Ford. He has been featured on over 40 albums as a sideman and has recorded 9 albums as a leader. This Organ-led trio was something unique, special and swinging. Read more: https://patch.com/new-jersey/southorange/8-4-prolific-organist-radam-schwartz-presents-schwartz-sanity 

Jazz973 Presents Charlie Apicella Quartet at Clements Place Jazz

Wednesday, November 13, 2021 at 7 pm 

It's always very special to bring Charlie and his band through, as they always deliver a wonderful performance. "As a player, Apicella immediately brings to mind Grant Green. He's funky, he's bluesy, and he's not afraid to get dirty at times. Charlie Apicella and the Iron City band have that perfect jazz rapport that allows them to be tight as hell and play off each other beautifully." — VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE. Read more.

Jazz973 Presents Meant To Be Jazz Quartet at Clements Place Jazz

Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 7 pm

Bandleader Glenn Merritt, originally from New York City, has been playing music since he was a youngster. He studied classical piano and music theory at Manhattan College of Music. At 15, he was a percussionist for Willie Sossa’s Salsa band. He played electric bass in numerous R&B bands. His jazz chops have consistently improved since he first tickled the ivories nearly 40 years ago, and he has acquired a very tasteful style with lush chord voicing and a wonderful improvisational ability as a consequence of studying under his mentor, the late Morris Nanton of the famed Morris Nanton Trio. He is currently the pianist for the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet with Pete Omelio - Drums, Alan Hayes - Bass, and John Higgins - Trumpet. He co-teaches part time at the County College of Morris. Read More about Meant To Be Jazz Quartet.

Upcoming Jazz973 Events:

Tonight, Dec 8th, 2021, we have Jazz973 Presents Norman Mann and Rafiki at Clements Place Jazz at 7 pm & Dec 15th, 2021 we have Jazz973 Presents Alleycatsax and the Harmonic Convergence Band at Clements Place Jazz.

In the New Year some truly great performances are planned for 2022, such as vocalist Dara Jones, Drummer Matt King, Pianist Iyayo Ikawo, the James Moody Scholars, Lynette Sheard Entertainment, Pianist Dre Barnes, Bassist Kim Clarke, Pianist Champion Fulton and more...

Stay tuned.

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event manager and community partner that develops, manages, promotes and documents local community events in the Northern New Jersey and New York area. Gregory Burrus sits on a number of local boards, nonprofit committees, curates and promotes Jazz973 at Clements Place Jazz live music events along with booking bands at several other local venues. For more information, visit http://gregoryburrusproductions.com. 

Jazz973 Hosts Mike Lee Family Band and Friends introducing Violinist Jacquie Lee (Wed., Oct. 20, 7PM)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2021

One of the things I love about live music is the ability to create, and the creation takes place over years and truly over generations. Jazz across the generations is a process that I love to read about in a historical sense. It was the 1920's that saw the emergence of many famous women musicians including African-American blues singer Bessie Smith (1894–1937), who inspired singers from later eras, Billie Holiday (1915–1959) and Janis Joplin (1943–1970).

In our last Jazz973 event, we explored generations of Jazz as we went from a 19-year-old woman pianist leading a band that was anchored by a 94-year-old male bassist. Truly a night of Jazz Across the Generations, and what a swinging night of Jazz it was, which will be recapped in an upcoming article.

Next up at Jazz973 at Clements Place Jazz for the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies we present Generations Of Jazz in the making. It is a true family affair with help from a few friends when Jazz973 Presents “Mike Lee Family Band Introducing Violinist Jacquie Lee.” The result will be future musicians creating beautiful jazz music for many more generations. As history in the making, here' s a background of these wonderful stellar musicians making their mark on the jazz scene.

Jacquie Lee, Violin

Jazz973 at Clements Place Presents Mike Lee Family Band Introducing Jacquie Lee at Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies.

Jacquie Lee is being introduced to the jazz scene in a big way. The Jazz973 program at Clement’s Place is proud to present the Mike Lee Family Band as they introduce Jacquie Lee at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies.  In 2019 at Garfield Middle school Jacquie, who has been playing Violin for 11 years, received Jazz Soloist Downbeat Student Music Award for an Outstanding Performance. Jacquie has also been a member of Jazz House Kids and is a member of a family of musicians which has truly helped her honed her musicianship. The following stellar list of musicians will perform in this wonderful event featuring Jacquie Lee on Violin. 

Julian Lee, Sax

Photo by Adam Z.

Julian Lee is quickly establishing himself as one of the most sought after and versatile saxophonists of his generation. He is the recipient of the 2017 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award from Jazz At Lincoln Center, and has performed both internationally and nationally with a wide array of critically acclaimed artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and Jon Batiste.

Julian hosted the late night jam session at Dizzy’s Club in Jazz at Lincoln Center from 2015 until 2019, playing with countless of the finest musicians on the New York scene. In addition to headlining his own projects at Dizzy’s, he has played at the Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Birdland, Newport Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival.

Julian handles the Alto, Tenor, and Soprano saxophones with equal prowess, along with doubling on clarinet and flute. This unique skill set, along with his sight-reading abilities, has allowed him to play in the world’s finest big bands. Along with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Julian has performed with the Christian McBride Big Band, Mingus Big Band, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Julian is a member of Mwenso and The Shakes, a multinational collective led by singer, dancer, composer and entertainer, Michael Mwenso.

Julian completed his undergraduate studies at the Juilliard School, where he had the honor of studying with a master saxophonist.

Read more: https://www.julianleemusic.com/about

Matthew Lee, Drums

Photo by Jazz House Kids.

In 2015, Matthew Lee was a member of one of the premier young bands in the nation, the award-winning Jazz House Big Band directed by Julius Tolentino. The Big Band is composed of top high school jazz musicians from across New Jersey who are selected through competitive auditions. The pinnacle of Jazz House Kids ensemble programs, the Big Band participates in a number of high-profile performances, festivals, competitions and recording sessions throughout the year and most recently backed up the Christian McBride Trio and percussionist Sheila E.

In addition to performing at this event at the widely renown Blue Note Jazz Club, Matt at his young high school age has performed in the Giants of Jazz after party in the South Orange Performing Arts Center and during his budding career played alongside seasoned professional musicians such as Roy Hatgrove, Freddie Hendrix, John Lee and many more.

Read more: http://bluenotejazzfestival.com/2015/05/jazz-house-kids-presents-the-jazz-house-big-band/

Rebecca Harris-Lee, Violin

Rebecca Harris-Lee has been a mainstay in the New York musical scene for several years. She has performed with orchestras and chamber ensembles across the region, ranging from the NJ Festival Orchestra, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic, to appearances on Broadway.

Ms. Harris-Lee began her studies with Linda Cerone at the Cleveland Institute of Music as a recipient of the Margaret Randall scholarship. She received degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and the Cleveland Institute, studying under Stephen Clapp and Donald Weilerstein.

An active chamber musician throughout her career, Ms. Harris-Lee has appeared with members of the Cavani Quartet, Eunice Podis, as well as numerous performances with her father, cellist Alan Harris. She was principal second violin of the Ohio Chamber Orchestra and an active freelance performer in Cleveland prior to moving to the New York area.

In addition to her performance career, she maintains an active teaching studio in Montclair. Also an avid runner, Rebecca has participated in several marathons, including New York and Boston. She has three wonderful children with her husband, saxophonist Mike Lee.

Read more: https://www.madisonstringquartet.com/rebecca-harris-lee

Mike Lee, Sax

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, saxophonist Mike Lee has established himself in the New York City/Northern New Jersey area for many years. He balances a thriving performing career with a distinguished teaching resume. He performs regularly in New York City as a member of a wide array of jazz ensembles. His recent associations include The Jimmy Heath Orchestra, The Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, Wallace Roney’s Universe Orchestra, The Oliver Lake Big Band, The Loston Harris Trio, The Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet, Josh Evans Big Band, Dave Stryker, Frank Lacy, TS Monk, and The Roy Hargrove Big Band. He performs regularly at venues such as The Bluenote, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, Fat Cat, and Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel.

Recent tours have taken him up and down the East Coast, to Italy, France, California and Beijing, China. Mike Lee is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. In 2009, Lee helped found and develop Jazz House Kid’s in-house jazz education program. As the instructor of the first class (2009) at the Jazz House and Director of the JHK Summer Workshop (2010-2012) he oversaw the growth of the program from one class to a thriving jazz school. Mike’s private students have also excelled winning national awards from the Grammy Band, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Downbeat Magazine, and Young Arts. He has had several students go on to attend The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, William Paterson, Rutgers, Miami University, and Northwestern University. Lee has presented clinics and workshops throughout the country. Mr. Lee is endorsed by Conn-Selmer saxophones and Vandoren mouthpieces/reeds.

Lee’s musical accomplishments are shared and enjoyed by his musical family. Along with his wife, Violinist Rebecca Harris-Lee, they are raising three active young musicians. Their oldest son, saxophonist Julian, a graduate of The Juilliard School, has a thriving career in and around New York City having performed with ensembles including the Mingus Big Band, Wynton Marsalis Quintet, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Read more: https://mikeleejazz.com/bio/

Liany Mateo, Bass

Liany Mateo, a 19-year-old jazz bassist from Jersey City, NJ, has already studied and performed with some of the country’s top names in jazz. While in high school, she studied under renowned bassist Ben Wolfe. Through her involvement with the New Jersey Performing Arts “Jazz for Teens” program, she has been able to work with vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, saxophonists Mark Gross and Wayne Escoffery, and drummer Alvester Garnett. Liany has received numerous honors as an aspiring jazz musician. 

In 2016, she had the honor of performing with an all-star band that included drummer Jerome Jennings and pianist Benito Gonzalez in Newark, NJ, Sarah Vaughan’s hometown, during the U.S. Postal Service’s ceremony unveiling of the Sarah Vaughan Commemorative Stamp.  Notably, in 2015, she received the New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education and was awarded the First Place title in Hudson County, New Jersey’s Solo Strings Competition. Liany Mateo studied with the legendary bassist, Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies.

Read more: https://www.smallslive.com/artists/3031-liany-mateo/   

Nat Adderley Jr., Keys

Music arranger and pianist Nat Adderley, Jr. was born on May 23, 1955 to Nat Adderley, Sr. and Ann James in Quincy, Florida. Adderley attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York. In high school, he performed and wrote music for his father’s group, the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Adderley also worked as a keyboardist for R&B singer Valerie Simpson. Adderley earned his B.A. degree in African American studies from Yale University in 1977.

In 1981, Adderley became the music director for Luther Vandross. Adderley arranged the music for Vandross’ 1981 album, Never Too Much on the songs “Never Too Much” and “Sugar and Spice (I Found Me a Girl).” He then co-wrote the song “Better Love” for Vandross’ 1982 album, Forever, for Always, for Love. In 1984, Adderley arranged “Superstar,” as well as “If Only for One Night” and “Creepin’” for Vandross’ album, The Night I Fell In Love. He co-wrote Vandross’ first top twenty hit, “Stop to Love” and arranged the songs “So Amazing” and “Give Me The Reason” from the album, Give Me The Reason. In 1988, Adderley arranged the songs “I Wonder” and “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” for Vandross’ album, Any Love. The album was nominated for a 1989 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Adderley also played keyboard for Vandross’ 1991 Grammy award winning album, Power of Love. He produced Vandross’ albums Your Secret Love, Luther Vandross, and the Grammy award winning album, Dance with My Father. Adderley arranged Vandross’ 2003 Grammy award-winning duet with Beyonce Knowles, “The Closer I Get to You,” which won for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. He then produced the live album, Luther’s Live 2003 at Radio City Music Hall.

In addition to his work with Vandross, Adderley has worked with several other musicians. He arranged the songs for Aretha Franklin’s 1983 album, Jump To It, the string section for Doc Powell’s Grammy nominated song “What’s Going On” and Natalie Cole’s song “When I Fall in Love.” Recordings of Adderley playing piano were used by playwright August Wilson for his play The Piano Lesson in 1990. Adderley later formed the Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio.

Read more: https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/nat-adderley-jr

Wed. October 20, 2021 Please join us in this unique event as another generation of jazz musicians are coming out and making a serious impact on the jazz scene. 

Tickets for Set 1, 7-8PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-mike-lee-family-band-introducing-jacquie-lee-set-1-tickets-192955935397

Tickets for Set 2, 8:20-9:20PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-mike-lee-family-band-introducing-jacquie-lee-set-2-tickets-192957750827

This event will be live and also live streamed for Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and Gregory Burrus Productions.