Let The Music Play — What's Going On In My Neck of the Woods for Sept. 2022

August 31, 2022 Sonia Schnee

Well, Summer is quickly coming to a close but fortunately September 2022 has lots of Summer within the month along with a lot of live music events for sure. So here we go with Gregory Burrus Productions events all around our towns of Newark, Cranford, City of Orange, Maplewood, Linden, West Orange, Bloomfield and of course South Orange…

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

December 8, 2021 Sonia Schnee

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)

October 19, 2021 Sonia Schnee

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

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.

Matthew Lee, Drums

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.