MICHAEL CRUSE
Michael Cruse is a trumpeter and singer, nd the Middle School Jazz Academy Band Director for Jazz at Lincoln Center. Michael has performed and studied with jazz greats such as Roy Hargrove, Les McCann, JD Allen, Terence Blanchard, Javon Jackson, Lew Soloff, Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, John Fedchock, Fareed Haque, Vince DiMartino, Gail Wynters, Byron Stripling, Jeff Hamilton, John Von Ohlen, and Kevin Harris.
Michael has also performed in several groups for Bootsy Collins, KeKe Wyatt, Keisha Cole, Mike Phillips, Chantae Cann, Damian Sneed, Marc Broussard, and Clyde Brown (Drifters). Michael was also a part of the filming of “Miles Ahead” and portrayed NYC-based trumpeter and recording artist, Ernie Royal, starring Don Cheadle as Miles Davis (r. April 2016), as well as filming for HBO’s Lovecraft Country, released 2020.
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JOE GRANSDEN
Anthony Dominick Benedetto ~ August 3, 1926 – July 21, 2023, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. He received many accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bennett was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree and founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York. He sold more than 50 million records worldwide and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Who better to pay tribute to this legendary performer than Atlanta’s consummate jazzman, Joe Gransden! At 42 years old, Joe has already performed worldwide and released 14 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Gransden’s singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.
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The Jazz Voyager
Leaving the land of longhorns, cowboy boots and chili for one of the most expensive cities to live in the Midwest nicknamed Tree Town. Within the boundaries of this city of Ann Arbor is where this Jazz Voyager is heading downtown to catch a new group at The Blue Llama. Located at 314 South Main Street, Michigan 48104, the club operates nightly from Wednesday to Saturday.
It will be an interesting evening as I have never heard The Eastside Jazz Collective. is a 5-piece group with vocals by Adrienne Pisoni that is based in Southeast Michigan. I’ve heard they play classic jazz and swing featuring songs made popular by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday along with some contemporary tunes. I am anticipating an enjoyable evening.
Like the music I find the cuisine tempting and will be dining on crispy deviled eggs, black-eyed pea hummus, sorbet and beignets. For those who are requiring more information go to https://notoriousjazz.com/event/the-eastside-jazz-collective.
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AUDREY SHAKIR: THE QUINTET
The Quintet is the creation of renowned vocalist Audrey Shakir and saxman Vinnie D’Agostino. This innovative group draws on the swinging sounds of horn led hard bop. The set will be performing the swinging jazz of Ray Charles, Louis Jordan and James Brown.
The Band: Audrey Shakir ~ vocal, Vinnie D’Agostino ~ Saxophone, Louis Heriveaux ~ piano, Craig Shaw ~ bass, Dave Potter ~ drums.
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The Jazz Voyager
Austin, Texas is the next stop for the Jazz Voyager where I’ll be visiting a jazz spot called Parker Jazz Club. A world-class basement lounge designed by a musician, for musicians nestled in the heart of downtown Austin’s Warehouse district, where the best dining and entertainment venues reside. Within the walls every microphone, cable, speaker, wire, baffle, table, and chair was meticulously hand chosen for the purpose of serving the music.
This week taking the stage is vocalist Kenny Williams whose 25 year career has lit up stages with a tornado of talent and charisma. The Austin native studied voice at the University of Texas, and cut his teeth as an actor and an entertainer in clubs on the city’s famed 6th Street. Born to entertain, and his star shines brightly. He is a truly gifted vocalist, while his spirit, energy, and passion will bring you back for more.
The venue is located at 117 W 4th Street, #107b, 78701. For those requiring more information go to https://notoriousjazz.com/event/kenny-williams.
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