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 

Making History: Linda Moody Honors James Moody Scholars at 100 Blanchard Rd in South Orange, NJ (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Every year, the spectacular TD James Moody Jazz Festival comes to Newark, NJ — an absolutely fabulous jazz festival, in its 10th year, that is still sponsored by TD Bank. The TD James Moody Jazz Festival presents dozens of free and ticketed events at the beautiful New Jersey Performing Arts Center and selected locations around Downtown Newark. This year, the Godmother of the Festival, as NJPAC President John Schreiber referred to her, Linda Moody, widow of James Moody (RIP), came into town from San Diego and hosted a number of TD James Moody Jazz Festival events.

“I am honored and excited to come to the TD James Moody Jazz Festival every year.  I have life long friends here and it feels like home. I know that my husband would be thrilled at this being the 10th anniversary of the festival. He would love the diversity of it because there is something for everyone. I especially love meeting with the James Moody Scholars from Purchase College and New Jersey.  I thank Jazz House Kids for their hard work facilitating The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey. Having the Scholars play together for the first time was heartwarming. I live in a constant state of gratitude and  sometimes I just have to pinch myself.”

— Linda Moody

Our Host, Linda Moody represents the spirit of James Moody very well. She is very engaging and ensures everyone feels happy that they came out. 

This year was special for us, as Linda Moody wanted to honor the James Moody Scholarship Scholars with a live music concert during her time here. There has been a recipient of the scholarship each year and now there are enough of them to have a band with a rhythm section. 

Now for me, a person with a Jazz loving dad and mom, we grew up listening to the famous saxophonist James Moody. Then fast forward to the 1970s, when New York City radio DJ Frankie Crocker played the King Pleasure recording of “Moody's Mood for Love” every night at the end of his show on WBLS-FM. And, as one listener stated, “Frankie Crocker had the ENTIRE tri-state singing this song - word for word - every night at 8pm - genius.” To say I was ecstatic to find a location and host an event for the James Moody Scholars is an understatement. I was truly blown away and honored.

The James Moody Scholars

With band members coming from as far away as Trenton, NJ to perform, the James Moody Scholars Septet did James Moody proud, big time. Each band member came from a different year to play together for the first time. Bandleader Birsa Chatterjee (2015) Tenor Saxophone, Iyonna Herbert (2016) Drums, Andrew Wagner  (2017) Trumpet, Caelan Cardello (2018) Piano, Jalin Shiver (2019) Alto  Saxophone, Rayner Perez (2020) Trombone, and unable to attend was Paul Reinhold (2021). That night, Gervin Myles was on Bass, all under the direction of Saxophonist Birsa Chatterjee.

The James Moody Scholars Performances

Set 1:

The night opened with me, Gregory Burrus, being very happy to introduce the host, Linda Moody. Linda discussed the past scholarships, the meaning behind them and then introduced the band one by one. We proceeded to listen to the band swing and play on. 

Set 2:

The power of jazz and improvisation was evident all night long as they also performed with the singers who came up to perform. The band continued swinging hard, playing the standards and continued playing beautiful and strong all night long. They were definitely in sync. 

The Invited Vocalists

In addition, we wanted the night to be reflective of the real world, so selected local vocalists were invited to join in the fun. In attendance were: local entrepreneur, Blues and Jazz vocalist, East Orange’s Jacqueline Harmon Johnson; actor, producer, director and the unseated “West Orange Idol” Lynette Sheard, and the award-winning writer, playwright, and actor with the beautiful voice, Hillsdale’s Joy Topping-Mann.

I also should note that we had a wonderful introduction to freelance documentary filmmaker, pianist, singer, and songwriter Dara Tucker. Dara is the winner of the Nashville Industry Music Awards 2017 and 2020 Best Jazz Album and 2016 and 2017 Best Jazz Vocalist of the year. 

Needless to say, all the vocal performances backed by the James Moody Scholars were simply fabulous.

The Jazz Supporters

A number of notable jazz supporters and special guests came out in support of the scholars. We were very honored to have the daughter of James Moody — Michelle Bagdanove — in attendance. That was just awesome. Also, special guests were: NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and, as The New York Times, said “Dorthaan Kirk Is Newark's First Lady of Jazz”; Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies & Newark Archives Executive Director Wayne Winborne; Grammy award-winning record producer and audio engineer John Lee; SOMAtv Station Manager and Genealogist, Dustin Dumas, along with our local WBGO’s Jazz After Hours OnAir Personality Greg Bryant.

Also, thank you to New Jersey Jazz Society (NJJS) President Cydney Halpin, who commented, “I just wanted to thank you again for inviting me to last night's Moody Scholarship event. Those cats were wonderful!!  And that house... heavenly!! Congratulations on a wonderful event!!” 

The Historic Venue — 100 Blanchard Rd. 

100 Blanchard Rd. is a gorgeous historic house in South Orange, NJ. Known as the "Blanchard Estate," this Georgian brick mansion has over 13,000 square feet of space and sits on 2 acres of private, stunning property with NYC skyline views. Built in 1924, this stately residence was designed in the style of the Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, well designed for entertaining friends with a grand foyer leading to the custom wood appointed ballroom with stylish coffered ceilings. It was a perfect location.

The Event Volunteers

None of this could have happened without support from our team of supporters and volunteers. A big thank you to: 

GBP Volunteers that made the night run smoothly: James Pansulla, @DJ Roc M South Orange; Teresa Ware; Mary Collins and Donald; Barbara White; CC Minton; and we inducted Rayner Perez who helped us big time with the chairs. 

Official Event Photographer All these creative folks documented the nights events with some truly beautiful photos: Albert Clarke, Allison V Brown and Patrick Hilaire. 

Live Streamed Videographer We live streamed to Facebook, Youtube and TwitchTV, so thanks to our onsite Livestream and videographer Yardbird Entertainment - Peter Lin and our remote Livestreamer G2BProductions. 

Also, Millie Austin’s Catering and Roxanne Burrus for supplies and delivery of light refreshments. A big huge thanks to our audience attendees who are helping keep live music alive. We thank you big time. 

Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory — Our hats off to our venue host, Yvonne Patterson, for helping us make the night a huge success.

Final Words

Linda Moody, Nov 1, 2021:

"I am in complete awe of the James Moody Scholars and soooo proud of them!

All of the musicians, because they loved James Moody, were more than willing to help each year so that we could build a corpus large enough to award scholarships of $5,000 per year to each eligible student. Without the incredible musicians, none of this would be possible. But, one can't accomplish something of this magnitude alone. Jazz House Kids is the fabulous facilitator of this scholarship. I am forever grateful to all who have stepped up to help the James Moody Scholarship thrive. Honey and I wanted to create something that would continue long after we are gone and we have done just that. Keeping the music alive and helping young musicians grow is a dream come true. The love I feel for these kids grows with each meeting. It gave me a sense of pride and purpose watching them play together for the first time at Blanchard House.

Yvonne and John Patterson and Gregory Burrus Wow!

If anyone wishes to make a contribution please visit https://bit.ly/31i8bRT."

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a Live Music Events Producer, Promoter, Curator and Community Partner. Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns, events involved in the arts and entertainment scene that is happening all around South Orange, Maplewood and the overall JerseyNYC area.

TD James Moody Jazz Festival is Explosive and a Jazz Lovers Delight (Nov. 19-21 at NJPAC)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 17, 2021

If you are a true Jazz Fan around here then you know that every year for the last 10 years the magic of Jazz happens in an intense way in Newark, NJ, and this year the intense, vibrant magic returns again as the 10th annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival comes to town.

10th Annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival (Nov. 19-21, NJPAC)

Source: www.njpac.org/series/james-moody-jazz-festival

Started in 2012 as The TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival, it was a weeklong celebration of jazz and the legacy of Newark's own music master, James Moody. This festival was presented by The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), radio station WBGO Jazz 88.3FM 1 and was sponsored by TD Bank. NJPAC president and CEO John Schreiber said at the time, “TD Bank has become synonymous with the top international jazz festivals, and we are proud to be joining the TD jazz family in our inaugural year.” 

Bringing it full circle 10 years later, John Schreiber walked on stage this week and said: “TD Bank is the Best Sponsor Ever”, and so true because in a time where a Pandemic is running havoc with the arts and entertainment industry, all the right supporting forces have come together this week for the 10th year to make a truly spectacular TD James Moody Jazz Festival happen again. 

Saxophonist James Moody

Source: jamesmoody.com/gallery

James Moody, despite being born partially deaf, was an accomplished musician on the tenor and alto saxophones, as well as the flute. In addition to his instrumental prowess, Moody was an engaging entertainer, captivating audiences with his personal charm and wit. He was born in Georgia, raised in Newark, New Jersey and was beloved by all.

Christian McBride

This year, another brilliant musician Bassist, Christian McBride, took over and announced the festival. Always listed in The New York Times “Weekend Roundup: 5 Things to Do This Weekend”, the festival runs Nov. 5 through 21 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Keeping in line with their mission of keeping great jazz alive and community outreach, the festival hosts, sponsors and presents dozens of free and ticketed events across Newark. Like prior years, this year’s presentation of a stellar musician lineup along with special and signature events was spectacular once again. This year’s lineup included the incomparable Chaka Khan and, if you were there you got to experience one of my favorites, the brilliant trumpeter Chris Botti. 

Following is a walkthrough of a few events that occurred this opening week that I attended, with their details. I hope you enjoy the experience as we did and attend future shows listed at the end. 

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition 

A very special, signature event is the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition or the Sassy. This is a prestigious talent contest that pays tribute to the titular singer who was born in New Jersey and whose career began when, on a Wednesday night in 1942, she herself won a talent contest at New York’s Apollo Theater. Her win helped launch a career that would transform America's original art form and an icon who elevated the craft of jazz vocal music and garnered the respect and adoration of millions. This contest is open to solo jazz vocalists of all nationalities who are 18 years or older and not currently signed to a major record label. 

It’s an intense competition, as the 2021 finalists were culled from 160 submissions across 25 countries. Once again after a year-long search, the finalists of the Sassy Awards dazzled the audience with their vocal prowess. One of my favorite finalists took 2nd place, April May Webb of the Sounds of A&R. She said, “I truly sang from my soul and it was to date the most powerful performance OF MY LIFE!“ Folks reported there were some masterful performances by all the contestants.

NEA Jazz Master Vocalist Dianne Reeves 

 https://fb.watch/9l5cVfGYKl/

A five-time GRAMMY Award winner, Dianne Reeves is widely recognized as one of the premier vocalists on the worldwide music scene. “Reeves grew up in Denver and was introduced to the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan by her uncle, who was a bassist in the Denver Symphony Orchestra” (hancockinstitute.org/meet/dianne-reeves). Dianne Reeves has released almost two dozen albums and been recognized as an NEA Jazz Master. Needless to say, it was a spectacular, powerful performance with Ben Williams on Bass, Terreon Gully on Drums, the Great Brazilian Guitarist Romero Lubambo and Peter Martin on Keys, all led by the powerhouse vocalist Dianne Reeves. I was there and what a really great show!!!

NJPAC Jazz Advisor Christian McBride’s The Movement Revisited

NJPAC Jazz Advisor, bassist, composer and bandleader Christian McBride has played everything from Monk to Funk. The Movement Revisited is a full-length work for jazz orchestra, vocalists and orators, celebrating the great leaders of The Civil Rights Movement — Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama.

The evening began with a performance by The Last Poets: Abiodun Oyewole, Umar Bin Hassan and Baba Don Babatunde, joined by Newark’s Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka. The Last Poets laid the groundwork for the emergence of hip hop.

Also performing in an absolutely wonderful, strong, uplifting presence, the choir from the original recording, Voice of the Flame (VOTF) hit a homerun for sure.

Cyrus Chestnut at Dorthaan’s Place

Another absolutely always sold out event is the very special Dorthaan’s Place Nico’s legendary jazz brunch curated by NEA Jazz Master and Newark’s First Lady of Jazz Dorthaan Kirk. Ms. Kirk is the widow of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the blind multi-instrumentalist with a reputation for fierce musicianship and daring improvisation.

This year the show featured the piano stylings of Cyrus Chestnut over brunch at the beautifully appointed Dorthaan’s Place. The Cyrus Chestnut trio included Lincoln Center emerging artist and Detroit native, Bassist Endea Owens and the hard-swinging, composer and powerhouse Drummer Chris Beck. Truly a beautiful performance. We were swinging and tapping the whole program.

James Moody Jazz Scholarship Winners

A special treat this year was that in attendance were the winners of the previous high school contest for the James Moody Jazz Scholarship minus Iyonna Herbert and Paul Reinhold. Pictured L-R Andrew Wagner, Jalin Shiver, Rayner Perez, Linda Moody, Birsa Chatterjee, and Caelan Cardello with local live music Producer/Promoter Gregory Burrus. These winners were front and center with the widow of James Moody and TD Moody JazzFestival First Lady Linda Moody enjoying the brunch and the music.

Artemis — All Female Jazz Supergroup

Jazz Journalists Association: Mid-Size Ensemble of the Year called them: 

"A killer line-up of players, composers, and performers who hail from all over the world...they all converge on this extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound."  - NPR MUSIC

The musicians of Artemis are Renee Rosnes, Piano & Musical Director, Anat Cohen, Clarinet & Soprano Saxophone, Ingrid Jensen, Trumpet, Nicole Glover, Tenor Saxophone, Noriko Ueda, Bass and Allison Miller, Drums. This supergroup first assembled as a band for a 13-city European Jazz Festival tour in summer 2017. Named “Artemis” after the Greek goddess who was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, the twin sister of Apollo, the patron and protector of young girls and the goddess of hunting, wild nature, and chastity, they released their debut album for famed Blue Note Records in September 2020. Their performance was absolutely superb. 

More great performances to come...

That's just to start part 2 coming next....

Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra (Friday, Nov. 19th)

Pianist, composer and six-time Grammy-Award winner Arturo O'Farrill presents Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. 

Presented by NJPAC, the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University-Newark and the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, this concert is part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival. Performance on Nov. 19

George Wein and the Newport All-Stars (Saturday, Nov. 20th)

“Pianist and bandleader George Wein, who founded the Newport Jazz Festival in 1954, is universally regarded as the single greatest producer and impresario jazz has ever known. (Music festivals like SxSW and Coachella owe him a great deal as well. Celebrate George, who recently passed at the age of 95. This all-star concert will feature contemporary swing saxophonist and clarinetist Anat Cohen, along with special guests including Christian McBride, Kenny Barron, Johnathan Blake, Randy Brecker, Lew Tabackin, Peter Washington, Duchess and more. This is sure to be one of the most memorable nights in the history of jazz at NJPAC, and a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of George Wein.” —NJPAC. Celebrating George Wein takes place on Nov. 20.

Maria Schneider Orchestra (Sunday, Nov. 21st)

“Composer, bandleader, and NEA Jazz Master Maria Schneider returns to NJPAC with her genre-defying orchestra. Her music has been hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, imaginative, revelatory, riveting, daring and beyond categorization.” Her 2020 album Data Lords was called “her magnum opus, a riveting, remarkably intense double album, as profound as modern-day instrumental music gets” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Data Lords garnered two GRAMMY® Awards, was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist and won the Grand Prix De l’Académie du Jazz. You’re guaranteed to hear something thought-provoking and new every time Maria Schneider takes the stage.” — NJPAC. Performance Nov. 21.

NJPAC Community Engagement 

Also know that having a great time and meeting up with friends at NJPAC is part of the experience during these COVID Pandemic times. With a motto of engage, connect, and celebrate, NJPAC states “We like to say that we’re more than a venue—we’re a community.” Living the motto in action is Eyesha Marable, Director of NJPAC Community Engagement. She said, “Thursday night of NJPAC's TD Moody Jazz Festival was outstanding. Friday was wonderful too. Tonight, we will enjoy Dianne Reeves. Treat yourself soon family, to some good music. Come home (to NJPAC) when you can.”

Here are some images to entice you to come on out and enjoy the show. Click to see more.

NJPAC states, “We like to say that we’re more than a venue—we’re a community. That’s why we’re one of the few performing arts centers in the country with an entire department dedicated to reaching out, building connections and just plain having fun with our neighbors in their own backyards.” That’s right, finally getting back outside and establishing these new times of togetherness becomes extremely important to help us. “Come home to NJPAC” and enjoy the community of fellow jazz lovers. 

Come join us.

About the Author

Gregory Burrus with Linda Moody at Bethany Baptist Jazz Vespers

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner, live music ambassador and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and the New York Area.

James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration at the Blanchard House in South Orange, NJ (Nov. 17, 2021, 6-9PM)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, November 5, 2021

Gregory Burrus Productions is extremely proud to produce the James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration for The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey. This event is for the Jazz Scholarship recipients that have been presented this award since 2015. This event is also supported by the Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory and will be hosted at their beautiful, historic Blanchard Mansion in South Orange, NJ.

About Saxophonist James Moody

(Bottom) Dizzy Gilespie, Hank Jones, Benny Carter, (top) John Lee, Charlie Fishman, Paquito D'Rivera, James Moody, and Arturo Sandoval. From johnleebass - Dizzy Gillespie's dinner the night before he received the Kennedy Center Honors.  Great dinner with fascinating stories. 

Saxophonist, Flutist, Vocalist, Educator James Moody was awarded the distinction of being an NEA Jazz Master in 1998 from the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships are the self-proclaimed highest honors that the United States bestows upon jazz musicians. In the jazz world, it just doesn't get better than that. Learn more: Wikipedia NEA JazzTimes James Moody.

James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey

James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey is an award that honors the life of Newark native and saxophone giant James Moody. The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey is an award presented by Linda Moody that is offered annually to an outstanding high school senior. The recipient embodies the qualities expressed by the NEA Jazz Master throughout his life and works—musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement.

James Moody Jazz Scholars

In its 7th year, the winners of the James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey will consist of the James Moody Jazz Scholars led by bandleader Birsa Chatterjee. Past winners are:

• 2015 Birsa Chatterjee 

• 2016 Iyonna Herbert 

• 2017 Andrew Wagner 

• 2018 Caelan Cardello

• 2019 Jalin Shiver 

• 2020 Rayner Perez

• 2021 Paul Reinhold 

Jazz Scholars Band

The band will come together performing a number of standards and some originals.

It includes Birsa Chatterjee – Tenor Saxophone, Iyonna Herbert – Drums, Andrew Wagner – Trumpet, Caelan Cardello – Piano, Jalin Shiver – Alto Saxophone, Rayner Perez – Trombone, and joining us in Paul Reinhold's absence will be Gervin Myles on Bass.

Jazz Scholars Jazzy Nights Agenda

6:00 - 6:15 PM Opening Remarks

6:15 - 6:45 PM The Jazzy Nights activities will be comprised of standards and originals performed by the musicians

6:45 - 7:30 Presenters and Invited Speakers

• Linda Moody - James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey

• Wayne Winborne - ED of Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers-Newark

• John Lee - Jazz Legacy Productions & The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band

7:30 - 9:00 Jazz Scholars band continues. During this set, an invited set of local Jazz vocalists from the community will perform with the Jazz Scholars band.

Venue/Location

The Blanchard Mansion - 100 Blanchard Rd., South Orange, NJ 07079 - is a 1920's Georgian Mansion in South Orange that transports visitors right back to the Gilded Age. The home draws inspiration in its design from the style of the Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, perhaps the most famous one being The Breakers. At 11,000 square feet the house features an ostentatious custom wood appointed ballroom with coffered ceilings and New York City skyline views, accessed via a grand foyer lined with Corinthian columns. Situated on two acres of English style lush garden landscaping, with walking paths throughout, the land offers residents opportunities for quiet reflection and meditation.

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA/MAPSO (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area. Gregory Burrus currently writes as the South Orange Patch Mayor, the statewide Jersey Indie website and on Gregory Burrus Productions.

Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory

The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address mutual aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing. The Patterson Foundation's staff and consultants are ready to provide an engaging presentation about the foundation and its initiatives.

You are invited to the James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration on Nov. 17, 2021, 6-9PM. This free event will have light refreshments, limited seating, and access will be provided via Facebook / Eventbrite Registration only. Please join us.