JIMMIE HERROD

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MEL BROWN B3 ORGAN GROUP

In fact, this true all-star band has been a sensation going back to 1997, when they began a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s legendary “Jimmy Mak’s” music venue (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). With a collective resume that reads like a “Who’s Who” of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous–from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues. No wonder they’ve thrilled audiences wherever they’ve played. Count among the band’s fans jazz great Christian McBride, host of National Public Radio’s “Jazz Night In America.” In an October 2021 broadcast, McBride played several excerpts from a Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group festival set.

Tickets: $20.00~$25.00

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EMMETT COHEN

Emmet Cohen has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music and the related arts. A recognized prodigy, Cohen began Suzuki method piano instruction at age three. He quickly became a mature player, melding musicality, technique, and concept. Downbeat observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship.”

In the same spirit, Cohen himself notes that playing jazz is “about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality; it’s essentially about connections,” both among musicians and with audiences. Moreover, he leads his namesake ensemble, the Emmet Cohen Trio, is a vibrant solo performer, and is in constant demand as a sideman. Also, he possesses a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire. Further, Cohen plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium.

Emmet Cohen’s exacting keyboard artistry has garnered numerous accolades from the international jazz community. To that end, he placed first in both the American Jazz Pianists competition (2014) and the Phillips Piano Competition (2011). Additionally, he was a finalist in the prestigious American Pianists Association’s Cole Porter Fellowship (2015, 2011) and the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition (2011).

Besides leading the Emmet Cohen Trio, Cohen has appeared regularly with Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Benny Golson and Jimmy Cobb. Further, he’s worked with George Coleman, Jimmy Heath, Tootie Heath, Houston Person, Kurt Elling, Billy Hart and Brian Lynch.

Finally, Cohen commits fully to the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge, history, and traditions. His Masters Legacy Series is a celebratory set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians.

COVER: $35.00~$40.00

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EDDIE BACCUS JR.

As a touring member of Pieces of a Dream for a decade and a half he had the opportunity to perform with and alongside a virtual who’s who in the traditional jazz, urban jazz and R&B worlds: Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, War, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Grover Washington Jr, Bobby Watson, Greg Abate, Lester Bowie, EWF(Earth, Wind and Fire), Regina Carter, Dianne Reeves, Vesta Williams, Norman Conners, India Arie, George Benson, Miki Howard, Jean Carne, David Sanborn, Brian McKnight, Will Downing, Phil Perry, Najee, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Marcus Belgrave, Benny Golson, Russell Ferrante, Bobby Lyle, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Aaron Graves (Piano “Little Jimmy Scott”), Lenny Castro, Rachelle Ferrelle, Lil’ John Roberts, Phil Davis, Chris Coleman, Andre Gouche’, Giovanni Hildago, Eric Marienthal, James Carter, Curtis Fuller, Regina Belle, Miki Howard, Allyson Williams, Norman Connors, Atlantic Starr, Ronny Jordan, Rhonda Smith (Prince’s Bass Player), Gerald Veasley, Average White Band, Stevie Wonder, Peter White, Walter Beasley and more recently Four80East, Brian Simpson, Lindsey Webster, Cameo, Brother 2 Brother, Glenn Jones, Cabo Frio, Groove Frequencies, Christian De Mesones, Bene Music, Utopian Dreams and Joe Lovano.

Cover: $48.25

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JULIAN VAUGHN

A dynamic lead bass player from Kansas City, bassist Julian Vaughn is rapidly becoming a major player in the contemporary jazz genre. Vaughn has made a name for himself as bassist in the smooth jazz genre which is dominated by saxophone players.

Vaughn grew up in the church where his grandfather pastored until turning over the reins to Vaughn’s father. Like other kids at the church, he began his music career playing the drums, but says, “Trying to play the drums at church was like ten football players going after a fumble. Everyone wanted to play.” Years went by and the fight over the drums got old. At 15 Vaughn decided to try a different instrument. He picked up a bass guitar that another man in his church was playing and immediately fell in love. This was truly love at first sight. Vaughn taught himself how to play and soon realized he had the ability to play by ear. He soon discovered how to play songs and special techniques. When Vaughn was 19 his grandfather bought him a 6-string bass guitar. It was black with gold trim. He discovered the art of bass soloing and knew at that point it was more than just a hobby but was his life’s passion. “My friends use to get on me because I would stop playing the bass line and start soloing,” he remembers.

Julian Vaughn has toured all over the U.S. playing at some of the largest jazz festivals and abroad in places like Dubai, Nairobi, Italy, and Germany. As an artist, he debut on the scene in 2010 with his CD titled “The Purpose Project” an album that would later pave the way to his 2012 album “Breakthrough”. Vaughn has had 2 number ones on the Bilboards.

COVER: $53.50

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