The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is off to Canada for a first time experience at Frankie’s Jazz Club in British Columbia. Located in Vancouver at 755 Beatty Street V6B 2M4. This week I’m going to witness three young up and coming musicians, guitarist Alvin Brendan, keyboardist Benjamin Millman, and drummer Trent Otter.
A home to live jazz and blues, Frankie’s features local, national and international world class musicians. They offer an evening of casual intimacy with a selection of spirits and wine coupled with an Italian menu to enjoy music to.
Frankie’s Jazz Club phone number is +1 604-688-6368. For more information on showtimes and tickets visit https://www.frankiesjazzclub.ca/
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is being spirited off to Houston, Texas to the Cullen Theater for another performance of one of the hottest bassists on the planet and no it isn’t Ron Carter, though he fits the bill. This time it’s eight-time Grammy Award-winning Christian McBride.
Located in Houston’s Downtown Theater District at 501 Texas Avenue 77002, the theater resides within the Wortham Theater Center is one of the venues that Dacamera utilizes for its jazz performances. Under the artistic direction of pianist Sarah Rothenberg since 1994, DACAMERA programs create connections among musical genres, art forms, and ideas; between people and places; between the past and the present.
A force of nature, fusing the fire and fury of a virtuoso with the depth and grounding of a seasoned journeyman, McBride is powered by a relentless energy and a boundless love of swing. Drawing from the lexicon of his hometown, Philadelphia, he calls his pianoless quartet The New Jawn.
The Cullen Theater’s phone number is 713-524-5050. In order to get more information on showtimes and tickets then visit notoriousjazz.com/event/christian-mcbrides-new-jawn.
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The Jazz Voyager
In the air once again and sailing onwards to the West Coast to witness a talented vocalist at the Purple Room in Palm Springs, California. This is the Jazz Voyager’s first trip to this venue and I am looking forward to this excursion. Performing this weekend is Tony nominated Ann Hampton Calloway for two nights only. She will be celebrating one of America’s most beloved artists, Peggy Lee.
The sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the desert’s premier supper club. Tucked away in the Club Trinidad Hotel, The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60s. Step in and you’ll be transported back to the elegance of the era: an intimate and inviting room, classic cocktails with a modern twist, world-class cuisine, and the best in live entertainment – six nights a week! Hobnob with celebrities, locals, and visitors alike at Michael Holmes’ Purple Room.
The Purple Room is located at 1900 E Palm Canyon Drive 92264 and their number is 760-322-4422. In order to get more information on showtimes and tickets then visit notoriousjazz.com/event/ann-hampton-callaway.
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The Jazz Voyager
Off to the City That Never Sleeps aka The Big Apple on my way to Harlem and the venue that still represents the standard of the community. It is still called The Apollo. After a fantastic performance in Boston it is good to be back home to experience the delights of the neighborhood.
Critically acclaimed composer and trumpeter Russell Gunn and his Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra brings to life poet and author Amiri Baraka’s groundbreaking work, Blues People: Negro Music in White America. Special guests include Weedie Braimah, Davell Crawford, Miles Griffith, Craig Harris, Stefon Harris, Jazzmeia Horn, Oliver Lake, Jessica Care Moore, and Leon Timbo.
The building that later became the Apollo Theater was built in 1913 and was designed by architect George Keister. It was originally Hurtig and Seamon’s New (Burlesque) Theater, which enforced a strict “Whites Only” policy. The theater was operated by noted burlesque producers Jules Hurtig and Harry Seamon. They made alterations to the theater that same year and renamed it The Apollo.
In 1924, the Minskys took a long-term lease for burlesque shows, some of which included integrated casts with black performers such as Pigmeat Markham. After New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia cracked down on burlesque, the theater was purchased in 1933 by Sidney Cohen, who owned other theaters in the area. Lavish renovations were made and it re-opened on January 26, 1934 catering to the Black community of Harlem. On February 14, 1934, the first major star to appear at the Apollo was jazz singer and Broadway star Adelaide Hall in Clarence Robinson’s production Chocolate Soldiers, which featured Sam Wooding’s Orchestra. The show ran for a limited engagement and was highly praised by the press, which helped establish Apollo’s reputation.
The Apollo’s number is 212-531-5300. If you want to get more show information visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/russell-gunn-the-royal-krunk-jazz-orchestra.
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The Jazz Voyager
Coming off a fantastic performance by Cecilé McLorin Salvant in Miami, The Jazz Voyager is heading out of the South and up the East Coast for colder temperatures in Beantown to hang out at Scullers Jazz Club, and catch a pianist I haven’t seen in more than two decades. I was extremely impressed by his talent and his name is Loston Harris. As usual, after a relaxed dinner, I’ll be catching the second set which for me is the best.
After meeting Harry Connick, Jr. at the 1st Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in Washington, DC, Connick led Loston to study with his mentor, Ellis Marsalis, who encouraged him to switch from drums to piano. The rest, as they say, is history. Blending jazz, gospel and blues with his own unique styling, Harris takes the Great American Songbook to new heights. He has toured and performed with numerous Grammy Award and Pulitzer winner Wynton Marsalis, and appeared in the PBS special Portraits in Blue with Grammy nominated pianist Marcus Roberts.
Since 1989 Scullers has presented the biggest names in straight ahead,Latin and Contemporary jazz along with blues, soul, r&b, and world music. It swet a new standard for jazz clubs in Boston with a world-class roster of renowned jazz artists.The club is located at 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02134. In the area or flying in and have the time, support jazz and hear a phenomenal musician and vocalist.
Sculler’s number is 617-747-2261. If you want to get more information visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/loston-harris.
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