JOHN SHAPELY OCTET & TONI BYRD
John Shapely ~ Saxophone, Justin Golding ~ Alto Saxophone, Frank Briscoe ~ Trumpet, Timmy Markey ~ Trombone, Jordan Thorne ~ Baritone Saxophone, Dallas McCorkendale ~ Keys, Chris Enghauser ~ Bass, Lee Roberts ~ Drums, Toni Byrd ~ Vocals
Since its inception in South Florida in 1994, the John Shapley Octet has grown in popularity among mainstream jazz listeners. The band plays swinging classic jazz arrangements and compositions by Shapley, Bill Dobbins, Rob Lussier, Marty Paich, Bill Holman, Quincy Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Dave Pell, Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Yellowjackets and others. With it’s beautiful solos and horn section passages, the band has been featured in South Florida at the 1995 Hollywood Jazz Festival, 1996 Riverwalk Sunday Jazz Brunch series, the 2001 Greater Florida Jazz and Swing Club and maintains an active performing schedule in jazz clubs and concert venues in Atlanta, Georgia and throughout the southeast. It is well known for the production of the show The Essence of Ellington featuring classic transcriptions of genius jazz composer Duke Ellington. In 2003 the John Shapley Octet released two CD’s entitled John Shapley Octet:Essence of Ellington and John Shapley: Jazz Ensembles which attracted attention and has been sold to listeners all over the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. In 2006 the band relocated it’s home base to Atlanta, Georgia where it continues an active performing and touring schedule. The John Shapley Octet is currently available for bookings in public and private concert venues.
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,jazz,music,preserving,saxophone,travel,vocal
The Jazz Voyager
Fortunately for this Jazz Voyager the next stop on the global road trip is an hour and a half up the interstate to the Big Apple. The destination is Carnegie Hall where I’ll be sitting in the Weill Recital Hall. So many times have I strolled past this iconic venue on 57th Street to partake in lunch or dinner at the Russian Tea Room with friends. I have also on many occasions been in the audience for many concerts and tonight will be no exception to the fabulous performances offered.
Tonight this Jazz Voyager will be in attendance for the award-winning composer and pianist Lisa Hilton. She brings with her trumpeter Igmar Thomas, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Rudy Royston to round out her quartet. The music is slated to be uplifting and new from the group’s latest release, Coincidental Moment.
The hall is located at 881 7th Avenue, New York City 10019. For those who want more info go to https://notoriousjazz.com/event/lisa-hilton.
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,jazz,music,piano,preserving,travel
The Jazz Voyager
Heading to the City of Brotherly Love for the next stop on the voyage of this traveller. The place I will be seated in for this week’s jazz performance is nestled in the Spring Garden neighborhood of Philadelphia and is called the South Jazz Kitchen. It’s known for the coolest jazz and Southern cuisine in the city.
Vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu and bassist Richie Goods collaborate on this stage for three nights with two shows per evening. When you put together an emerging contemporary percussionist and composer with the youngest bassist ever inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame and you get an exciting show and one you will never forget.
The venue’s address is 600 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130. For those who want more info go to https://notoriousjazz.com/event/chien-chien-lu-x-richie-goods.
More Posts: adventure,bass,club,genius,jazz,music,percussion,preserving,travel,vibraphone
EKEP NKWELLE BAND
A rising master of her craft, vocalist Ekep Nkwelle entrances audiences with her strong lyrical presence and an uncanny connection to phrasing that’s at once grounded and ethereal. High-level musicality informs her storytelling. To Dizzy’s Club she brings her tight ensemble of acclaimed artists. Expect an evening of imaginative arrangements and compelling treatment of standard tunes.
More Posts: adventure,bass,club,drums,genius,jazz,music,percussion,piano,preserving,travel,trombone,vocal
THE DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA
A multigenerational outfit led by drummer, composer, and clinician Sherrie Maricle, DIVA Jazz Orchestra has garnered accolades from across the world. The 15-piece ensemble “exudes the excitement and force found in the tradition of historic big bands, with an eye towards originality.” Their program of stylistically diverse standards and original tunes spotlights a swinging band sound as well as each soloist’s distinct and vibrant personality. Don’t miss this energetic three-night event!
Sherrie Maricle, drums
Jami Dauber, trumpet
More Posts: adventure,club,drums,genius,jazz,music,preserving,travel,trumpet