Hap's Happenings
Sunday, November 16, 2014
General information items/ Wrap up
During the 2nd intermission of Saturday’s performance, the Jazz Legacy Foundation handed out two awards. I had an all access pass from the promoter to allow me to better interface with the musicians and to get my facts straight. My good friend, Ray White, engaged me in conversation and kept me from returning to my seat in the audience. He was then called on stage. Almost immediately thereafter I was called on stage. Ray acted as the MC in presenting me an award as an Elite Jazz Enthusiast. His introduction was to read the back of my business card.
I was then presented with this plaque
Well, I was totally surprised and equally overwhelmed. But I very much appreciate the recognition from the JLF, my fellow jazz lovers as well as the musicians.
Rogers Brown, local band leader, music educator, and professor at Norfolk State University was recognized for his forty years of playing, teaching and mentoring (Karen Briggs was in the his Jazz band while attending NSU )with a life time achievement award. His achievements very much overshadow my efforts in support of the music and I was honored to share the stage with him.
After Rochelle Farrell’s closing performance on Saturday, Executive Director Alvin Keels of the JLF announced the line-up for the 3rd Jazz Legacy Foundations gala jazz weekend. Friday will have Brian Culbertson, Paul Taylor & Jakeim Joyner, El Debarge & Marcus Johnson. Sat will have Boney James, R&R (Rick Braun & Richard Elliott), & One very special guest! Specific dates have not been announced but I am sure it will be in mid-Nov, 2015. A kick off party on Thursday will also occur. It should be another fun music weekend. It is already on my 2015 Music Tour schedule.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Day 2/2 of the 2nd Jazz Legacy Foundation’s gala jazz weekend. Ballroom, Renaissance Hotel , Portsmouth, VA. Sold Out. Karen Briggs/Patrice Rushen, Kim Waters/Phil Perry, & Rachelle Ferrell.
Tamara Harris, a 13 y.o. home schooled student did one song with electronic back (+06 min) prior to the opening performance. She is an example of the students being encouraged and supported by the JLF. Karen Briggs – violin and Partrice Rushen – keys, backed by Cheikh N’Doye- bass, Dan Leonard- guitar and Marcus Baylor- drums did an 1+15 hr. set of 7 songs. It was a combination of instrumental and vocal (Patrice Rushen) pieces. Among the songs recognized was Jean Luc Ponte’s “Reniassance” and Patrice Rushen’s “Remind Me” and “Forget Me Nots”, both from her Straight From The Heart, 1983 album. Nice mix of keys and violin leads. Personal notes: Karen Briggs was raised in Portsmouth, VA and attended Woodrow Wilson High School and Norfolk State University (music major). Portsmouth Mayor Kenny Wright declared, by proclamation, that November 15. 2014 was Karen Briggs Day. Proclamation recognized her contributions not only to the City of Portsmouth, but also to the world of music. (BTW: Karen and Kenny were classmates at Woodrow Wilson HS). Patrice Rushen Is the Chair, Pop Music Program, USC, instructs at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA , and has been a trailblazer as the first women music director for the NAACP Image Awards (13 Years) and the People’s Choice Awards. Karen has a CD in work for release in 2015, She will also team up and tour with saxophonist Mike Phillips in 2015 on the “Sax & Violins” tour. Karen Briggs has released 3 CDs 1992-2009. Patrice Rushen has released 15 albums 1974-2005 and 3 DVD’s 2002-2010. Cheikh N’Doye released “A Child's Tale” in 2008.
After intermission, Kim Waters and Phil Perry took the stage. Kim Waters- sax and Phil Perry- vocals were backed by James Waters (Kim’s brother)-bass/BG vocals, Alan Smith- keys and Andre Webb- drums/BG vocals. 1+20 hr. set of 9 songs. Phil did a great rendition of the 1957 Sam Cooke classic “You Send Me” which included vocals and whistling. Both demonstrated the wide range of his register. Phil also sang “Living For The Love Of You” , “Call Me The Moment You Get There”, and the Charlie Wilson classic “My love Is All I Have”. This marks Phil’s 45th year making music dating back to the 70’s and his time with The Monclairs. The instrumental opening songs led to fun few moments for one member of the audience, in particular. Earlier in the day, Monica Murphy Eaves from Charlotte, NC had met Phil and Kim during lunch. They called her onto the stage, had her sit in a chair and then they both performed to her, Kim with his sax and Phil with his voice. She was a great sport about it and the audience really enjoyed this impromptu “intimate” moment. Personal notes: Kim Waters will release the next Streetwise album in 2015. Streetwise is a collaboration between Kim Waters and Chris Davis (“Big Dog”). Kim will be touring again, in 2015, with the Sax Pack (Steve Cole & Jeff Kashiwa). Terrible technical difficulties made a mish mash on the second song. Kim has released 20 albums 1989-2014, and one compilation CD 2014. Streetwise has 9 Cd’s 2002-2013. Phil Perry has released 9 solo releases 1991-2013 and two duet albums with Melba Moore (2009) and Kevin Sanlin (2011).
Wrapping up the evening was Rachelle Ferrell. Her 1+00 hr. set included 7 songs. The first two and last were straight vocals, the remainder where at the piano playing and singing. Among them were “My Funny Valentine”, Autumn Leaves” and “Where Is God In Your Life?” She was backed by Brandon Coleman- keys/piano, Billy Odham- guitar, Recardo Jordon- drums, and Darrell Freeman- bass. Personal notes: Rachelle has released 6 albums 1990-2002. She did not come to the CD signing table to sign autographs after the show. On stage she said she said she was having a bad day (unexplained) so perhaps this was the reason?
Friday, November 14, 2014
Day 1/2 of the 2nd Jazz Legacy Foundation’s gala jazz weekend. Ballroom, Renaissance Hotel , Portsmouth, VA. Sold Out. The Fuzz Band, Pieces Of Dream, & Will Downing.
Gordon Laster, a student at Norfolk Colligate HS, played a single 6 minute song on his sax. He is being mentored In his music growth with help from the JLF. The Fuzz Band, comprised of graduates from local universities Hampton University and Norfolk State University, kicked off the evening with a short, +33 min set of 6 songs. The band is: Duane Smith- trumpet/leader, Kabana Blaq-Smith- vocals, Naka Madry- vocals, Michon David- vocals, Jason Jenifer- drums, Kevin Brown- congas, Percy Thomas- bass, Aaron Eaddy- guitar and Tavis Simons- piano. Mix of genres with a high energy delivery. Original instrumental songs “Bliss” and “Fuzz Band Groove” , original vocal songs “Soul Cry” (lead Michon David) and “Confidence” (lead Kbana Blaq-Smith) and covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady” (lead Naka Madry) and Experience Unlimited (or simply E.U)’s “Doin’ Da Butt. There was lots of movin’ and groovin’ during the finale of the Butt and Groove songs. Band has done several USO tours to all the hot spots in the world. Their opening set was too short and the crowd was ready for more. Band has released 3 albums (2003-2010), a compilation album (2010), and a 3 track EP (2008).
After intermission, Pieces Of A Dream took the stage. Their 1+10 hr. set was comprised of 8 songs. The band consists of founding members Curtis Harmon- drums and James Lloyd- keys and for the last few years has had Rohn Lawrence- guitar, David Dyson- bass, and Tony Watson Jr.- sax/keys as its other members. The set list went deep and included “Mt. Airy Groove” (We Are One 1982) and “Fo-Fi-Fo” (Imagine This 1983) with James/Curtis and Rohn on vocals. James Lloyd did his incredible “walk around the keyboard” where he walks around to the back side of the electronic keyboard while continuing to play (obviously the reverse fingering is mind boggling). Tony Watson blindfolded James and then he walked back to the correct side of the keyboard, continuing to play. I’ve seen him do it before but it still amazes me. Last song of the show featured James Lloyd on a “key-tar” (portable keyboard/guitar instrument made popular by George Duke) doing an audience walkthrough playing the Jimi Hendrick’s classic “Purple Haze”. The audience was DEFINITELY up and moving. As he returned to the stage the music morphed to “The Star Spangled Banner”. It was an incredible show. Personal Notes: Pieces of a Dream has released the “The Best Of Volume Two” (2014) but it is only available at their performances and is currently not available from commercial sources. About ½ of the tracks for their 2015 next release are completed. James Lloyd will also release his first solo project in 2015. Pieces Of A Dream have released 18 CD’s (1981-2013), 2 compilation CDs (1996 & 2014), and 1 vinyl single “Ice Cream” (1983). Curtis Harmon released “Goin’ Places” (2010) with the group New Foundations. David Dyson has released 3 CD’s (2000-2008) and I look forward to his next project hitting the streets. Rohn Lawrence has released 3 CD’s (1994-2006) and 1 compilation CD (2003).
Will Downing took the stage for the final performance of the evening. His band was Chris “Big Dog” Davis- keys, Joel Tate- drums, Wayne Bruce- guitar, Mark Walker-bass and Carol Riddick/Fred Sawyers- BG vocals. 1+20hr. set with 14 songs. He open with “I Can’t Help It (Sensual Journey 2002). Then he talked about “Old School” and music and love ‘back in the day’. Other songs were “Sin For Me” and “Sexy”. He told the audience (humorously) he had been married for thirty years, pause, TOTAL! (2 marriages). The women in the audience were very familiar with his songs and were singing/humming along throughout the show. Will Downing has released 16 CDs 1988-2014 and “Pleasures Of The Night (1998) released with Gerald Albright. Carol Riddick has released 3 albums (1995-2006) and 4 single digital tracks 2010-2014. Note: Will Downing sold CDs but did not come to the CD signing table after the show. This was a disappointment to his fans, myself included, who wished to say Hi, get a CD(s) signed, or take a picture. No sure what happened.
Thursday, Nov 13, 2014
Kick Off Party for the 2nd Jazz Legacy Foundation jazz weekend. Venue: Roger Brown’s Sport Bar & Restaurant, Portsmouth VA. Smithfield, VA based Forte Jazz Band provided the music. Two sets for a total of 2+15 hrs. Band Members: Brian Pinner "B"-saxophone, James Ford "Pete Jaymes"- piano, Jeffery Bradby "B"- guitar, Daniel Quackenbush "Quack"- bass, Darryl Rawlins "DD"- drums, Felix Valverrama "Paco"- percussion, Shevonne Newby "The Voice"- vocals. Thirteen songs total. Great selection of songs including Maputo (David Sanborn), Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers), Take 5 (Dave Brubeck), Winelight & Mr. Magic (Grover Washington), Harlem Blues (W.C. Handy) and from their own releases Samba plus one other song. Personal notes: great interpretation of Maputo. Percussion in music is like sprinkles on a sundae! Shevonne Newby is “The Voice” and her three vocals (Ain’t No Sunshine, I’m in Love, and Harlem Blues) were sweet and powerful. All band members hold regular 9 to 5 jobs and do music on nights/ weekends. Don’t let that lead you to the wrong conclusion. They are a great band and team. My 6th time in the last 4 years seeing them perform and each one seems to be better than the last.
Friday, November 19, 2014
Nick Colionne and Mindi Abair in Concert at the American Theater, Hampton, VA. The American Theater is a small theater with approximately 400 seats. Well organized and friendly staff. Full house.
Nick Colionne –guitar/vocals, Garrett Body- bass, Darwin Martin- keys, Todd Parsnow- guitar, Sean McCurley- drums. 7 song set. 1+05 hour show.
The lights dimmed and the off stage announcer introduced the “Best Dressed Man in the Business” with the band playing the music from “The Godfather” morphing into (ZZ Tops) Sharped Dressed Man. Nick came onstage and kicked off his show with “Slammin” (Influences 2014)(top of the charts right now) and rolled right into “High Flyin” (Just Come On In, 2003). He said he was going to slow it down a bit and “Rainy Night In Georgia” (Keeping It Cool 2006/It’s My Turn 1994) was the song chosen (a signature song) . Two young ladies caused him to come off stage to personally serenade them (it was obvious that this was a spur of the moment decision). Back on stage, he did a humorous “CD selling” song that delivered a message and comic relief at the same time. I think the words are, in part, “Yes I have a CD or two and I want to sell them to you”. His next two songs were from his latest Influences CD “Got To Keep It Moving and “When You Love Somebody”. The show closer was “Godfather J” (No Limits, 2008) which had him back in the audience with everyone on their feet. Personal notes: It was obvious to me and everyone else that the band was genuinely having fun on stage during the show because Nick is just that way. Keys/guitar and drums were from “Mindi’s Band” but you would think they had been playing with Nick for a long time, rather than the second night. Garrett Body-bass has been a member of Nick’s band since 2013. Nick’s vocals were strong and solid. His voice has continued to develop (for the better IMHO) over the years. His “Rainy Night In Georgia” of today is light years different from his 1994 version and substantially better that that on the 2006 release. It’s performance at this show was outstanding despite Nick fighting a mild case of laryngitis. His intro to the Godfather J song talked about getting Wild and Loose. We’re going to get WILD, so if you have anything LOOSE just get rid of it now … hand bags, necklaces, artificial limbs… Personal Notes: Over the last 5 years I have attended Nick performances 20+ times. They are all different and all have you feeling energized when it is over. This show was no different. James Lloyd (Pieces Of A Dream) told me recently that Nick and he are collaborating on songs for a future CD. Nick has released 8 CDs (1994-2014). Full Disclosure: I am the Sec/Treas of Nick’s Fan Club, the Colionne Connection, and had access to him before and after the show.
After a 15 minute intermission Mindi Abair took the stage for 10 song , 1+15 hour show.
Mindi Abair- sax/vocals, Darwin Martin- keys, Todd Parsnow- guitar/BG vocals, Rich Stanmyre- bass/BG vocals, Sean Mc Curley- drums.
Mindi kicked off the set with three songs from her latest CD Wild Heart (2014). “Wild Heart”, “Haute Sauce” and “I Can’t Lose”. Her remarks about women and their fight against breast cancer lead into “Be Beautiful” (Hi-Fi Stereo 2010). Next was an instrumental version of “Summertime” that had me trying to recall all the words. Music and vocals were written by George Gershwin in 1935 for the opera Porgie & Bess. There are at least 25,000 releases by various artisst over the years… guess that is what makes it a classic. “The Train” from Wild Heart was written by Mindi and Jim Peterik (Ides Of March, Survivor, Life Force) and was the final song played from the new release. “Flirt” and “Lucy’s”, both from It Just Happens That Way (2003) had me da-da-dahing and my mojo was starting to groove. Finale was “The Joint” (Life Less Ordinary, 2006) and the audience was up and grooving. Personal Notes: the backing musicians did a great job supporting both Nick and Mindi. I had a chance to meet them before the show and learned that they all live in Dallas, TX and Mindi lives in Los Angeles, CA. But they worked together like they all lived on the same block. Mindi left Virginia on Sat AM to return to Los Angeles for rehearsals for the Peter White Christmas tour that starts 11/28. She encouraged me to catch it if I could, so I am going to be at the Ram’s Head, Annapolis, Dd on 12/10 for both shows. My special thanks to Sean Mc Curley for autographing and giving me the drumsticks he used during the show. Mindi has released 7 CDs 1999-2014, a 2 track holiday CD (2004) and appears on “A Peter White Christmas” (2007) and the Dave Koz & Friends CD “Summer Horns” (2013)
Summing up the evening, it was great. Great music, surrounded by a bunch of friends, and an audience of Nick/Mindi music lovers. Nice way to start the weekend.
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Hap’s Show Notes are posted at http://berniecap.wix.com/the-dt-chronicles-#!haps-happenings-/c16u5
Every effort has been made to ensure all facts are accurate. Please contact me at hapemann@aol.com with additions or corrections
12/12/14
I did a double header this evening. Early show was Art Sherrod Jr. And the band at Rams Head Center Stage at the Maryland Live Casino. Then on to DC for the second Marcus Johnson show. All full night of music by to great musicians and their bands. Personal note: after 4 Christmas shows in 8 days, I feel I have heard every Christmas song ever written. Think I will throttle back a bit next year. — at Blues Alley.
Sunday, March 22, 2015. Hap Carpenter, The Music Enthusiast’s Show Notes
Chrysler Museum Auditorium, 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510.
Jazz D’Art presents Richard Elliot
The auditorium is placarded maximum occupancy 338 people. A small venue . There were about 275 in attendance. They received a full blown performance by Richard Elliot and his tour band (all “A” musicians). A great mix of covers and tracks from his albums. He has twenty one releases 1986-2014 (including R&R with Rick Braun). Time went by quickly and the audience was on its feet for the last three songs. Richard Elliot is the father of 6 children and supports organizations that work to help children. A most enjoyable evening that could have been better advertised.
Discography: Trolltown 1986, Initial Approach 1987, The Power Of Suggestion 1988, Take To The Skies 1989, What's Inside 1990, On The Town 1991, Soul Embrace 1993, After Dark 1994, City Speak 1996, Jumpin' Off 1997, Chill Factor 1999, The Best Of Richard Elliott (compilation) 2000, Ballards 2001, Crush 2001, Ricochet 2003, Metro Blue 2005, RnR 2007, Rock Steady 2009, In The Zone 2011, Number Ones(compilation) 2013, Lip Service 2014.
Every effort has been made to ensure all facts are accurate. Please contact me at hapemann@aol.com
with additions or corrections
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November 8, 2014.
The Florida Smooth Jazz Festival. Lake Concord Park, Casselberry, FL (15 miles N of Orlando Int’l Airport). BK Jackson, The Rippingtons and Gerald Albright/Norman Brown. The weather was almost picture perfect. White, puffy clouds with some breaks of sunshine mid-day. Overcast most of the afternoon and, after sunset, intermittent VERY light rain (1/2 thru the last performance). Temperature was in the mid 70’s. Beautiful venue with Lake Concord as the back drop. Opening was BK Jackson- sax. His band was Maurice Allen- keys, Roy “Quasi” Nelson- drums, Elias Tona- bass, and Sherwood Brown- vocals. All live in the Tampa Bay area. Show was one hour long. A very up tempo set of 8 songs which included two that will be on his next album titled “Life Of The Party” due for release in 2015. They were “Something to Shake” and a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Send Her Your Love”. BK did an audience walk around to “Send Her Your Love” that had the audience up and moving. Sherwood Brown’s vocals added variety to set. Closing was a medley of songs which guaranteed all would be up and dancing. BK started the show saying he was here to party with the audience. Well, he sure accomplished that. Personal notes: I learned about BK in 2010 as he was going to be on the Capital Jazz Cruise. In 2007 (age 15) he won the Capital Jazz Festival rising star showcase and his “prize” was to perform on their jazz cruise. He had to wait until 2010 and was 18 years old. BK has been performing on his own, touring with Prince and ?? since 2013 and continues his college studies. He is a few credits short of graduation which is anticipated Spring 2015. Watch him as he continues to grow. The Rippingtons next took the stage. Leader Russ Freeman- guitar, Jeff Kashiwa- sax, Bill Heller-keys, Rico Belled-bass, and Dave Karasony- drums. 1+10 set with 14 songs. With 20 CDs released since 1987 they had plenty of great songs to choose from. During the performance, each musician got a “solo” on one of the songs. Bill Heller on Spirits Of The Canyon and Dave Karasony on Tropic Of Capricorn. Jeff Kashiwa took the lead on a song from his 2009 CD Back In The Day titled “When It Feels Good”. They played “North Shore” from their 2014 album Fountain Of Youth. Their call back song was a medley of Purple Haze-> Fire and the audience was up and grooving. Personal notes: It was great to see the Rippingtons perform again after an approximate two year break from being on the circuit. They perform 9-10 Nov at Jazziz Nightlife in Boca Raton, FL. Nothing listed for 2015 but hopefully they will be back on tour in full force. Russ Freeman does not talk much on stage: Maybe a few words before a song at most. Hence the 14 songs in a 1+10 minutes set. He lets the music do the talking and I liked what I heard. It was great to chat with Dawn Heller, Bill’s wife while he was CD signing. The night cap was Gerald Albright/Norman Brown. The sun had set and the bugs were out in force, attracted by the stage lights. About 25 minutes into the set the bugs left as a very light rain started. The rain drove a few people to seek cover or leave, but not many. Gerald Albright- sax, Norman Brown- guitar/scat. Backing musicians were Tracy Carter- keys, Melvin Davis- bass and Jehron Garnett- drums. 1+30 hr set with 13 songs. They each played 4 songs from their respective libraries solo and the remainder had them performing together on tracks from their dual release “24/7” (2012). 12th song had everybody up (Scream song--- Ain’t no party like a Casselberry party) and the call back was the classic Grover Washington “Winelight”. Personal notes: Gerald /Norman have a friendship that goes back 30 years. They work well on stage because of that familiarity. Electronic vocal back on two of the songs was the voice of Selina Albright, Gerald’s daughter. 10th song was “Champagne Life” (24/7 CD) that I really enjoyed. I have seen both Gerald and Norman multiple times in 2014 and never tire of watching them perform.
October 25th, 2014
The morning after the night before. Ken Navarro and Lonnie Liston Smith. Backing musicians Craig Alston, Scott Ambush, Lee Pearson and Tabatha ? See notes below. Attucks Theater in Norfolk, VA in its 10th year of operation after major restoration. Established 1905.
Ken Navarro did a one man performance with electronic back (mostly drum beat). Performance was 51 mins and included seven songs. The first couple of songs were from older releases, then several from his latest release “Ruby Lane” 2014. Great dialogue between the songs and it felt like he was in your living room just talking and playing. There was a wonderful audience reaction to this performance/style. Personal Notes: Ken has released 21 albums since 1990. Virtually all songs on these albums he wrote alone. One song, co-written with promoter (for this event)/radio host Jay Lang, was “You Are Everything” and was dedicated to Jay’s wife of three weeks Priscilla. This song is one from” Ruby Lane 2014”. Ken explained that he and his wife shared their 40th anniversary recently and that the gem stone for the 40th is a ruby. He dedicated the title track to his wife (also explaining (humorously) that that didn’t get him off the hook but a pair of ruby earrings did!). Ken also announced he is soon to become a grandfather, his first, and I wish the family all the best. CD signing at intermission well exceeded the scheduled 15 min intermission and Ken sold out of all the CDs he brought with him. This was a very good indication that people wanted to take him home with them.
After intermission, Lonnie Liston Smith and band took the stage. Lonnie Liston Smith was a new artist to me and I did my homework to learn about him. Musical family, multi-instrumentalist in high school, played with Miles Davis for a short time before going out on his own. 50 + years of making music: 73 yo but you wouldn’t know it to look at him. Check his website/Wikipedia for more info. The line-up was Lonnie Liston Smith- keys/grand piano, Craig Alston- saxes, Scott Ambush- bass, Lee Pearson- drums and Lee’s sister (married 3 weeks) Tabitha Brooks (neeTabitha Pearson). Set of 11 songs, mix of straight ahead and jazz funk. 1+10h hr show. Audience call back for one more song (which was “Give Peace A Chance”). Each backing musician got a chance to “show his stuff”. Craig/Scott/Lee where more than up to the task. It made for some great listening/viewing. Personal notes: Scott Ambush and Lee Pearson are also members of Spryo Gyra and start a European tour in a few days. Heads up my European friends… catch a show if you can. Craig Alston has also played with Drew Davidsen and a few years ago the whole band spent a Saturday with Regina and I at our vacation home in NC. BBQ, fishing, hanging out, enjoying life. LiFE AS IT SHOULD BE.