The Jazz Voyager

This Jazz Voyager is on his way to NOLA to investigate for you a new spot for jazz that I’ve never been to called Chickie Wah Wah. This intimate club is a revered local place for live jazz, roots and funk music while serving up creative sandwiches.

This week I’ll be listening to native trumpeter, pianist and composer Terence Blanchard featuring the E~Collective and the Turtle Island Quartet. They will be performing two shows at 8:00 and 10:00pm.  He started his career in 1982 as a member of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, then The Jazz Messengers. He has composed more than forty film scores and performed on more than fifty. So we’ll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Jazz Fest on the same night.

Located in Mid~City, it’s just a short ride from the French Quarter to 2828 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. One can always get more information at https://chickiewahwah.com/.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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The Jazz Voyager

Crossing the country once again and heading to California to catch a rare performance of Nilson Matta and Jovino Santos Neto with Ami Molinelli. The club they will be hanging out at is located at 222 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg 95448.

The club is 222 which was disclosed to me by a jazz fan. The space is a performing arts center presenting various world-class events in the areas of jazz, film, poetry, choral music, and more. They are committed to embracing innovation and developing performances for the 21st century while strengthening the interaction between artists, audiences and the community.

Two Brazilian musicians, multi~Grammy nominee Matta and three-time Latin Grammy nominee Neto, both with successful international careers, join forces to present a new project with original music and new interpretations of pieces by renowned Brazilian composers.

Matta is known for his work with Trio da Paz, Don Pullen African Brazilian Connection, Joe Henderson, Yo Yo Ma, and Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage. Neto is a master pianist, flutist, composer, arranger, and conductor from Rio de Janeiro. They are joined by percussionist Ami Molinelli as a special guest, enriching the contagious rhythm of the dynamic duo for this rare collaboration.

The center’s number is 707-473-9150. For more information on days and time of sets visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/nilson-matta-jovino-santos-neto.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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The Jazz Voyager

This week I caught a plane to the home of country music where jazz has taken a footing. This Jazz Voyager is at the Nashville Jazz Workshop to hear Lizzie Thomas sing her heart out. The New Yorker will be unveiling unconventional and adventurous songs that she has recorded with some of her favorite artists as a duo.

Reminiscent of Tony Bennett’s endeavors, however, instead of vocalists, this vocalist has chosen to pair with a few of the finest instrumentalists in the business. They are Russell Malone, Helio Alves, Ron Carter, Cafe Da Silva, Ron Affif, Dezron Douglas, Wayne Escoffery, Rossano Sportiello, Guilherme Monteiro, Noriko Ueda, Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf and John Di Martino.

The organization was founded in 1998 as the Nashville Jazz Institute by Lori Mechem and Roger Spencer, and opened with a handful of students. The program was based on a workshop model developed by Mechem and Spencer growing out of their dissatisfaction with traditional academic jazz education. The workshop model is based on a journeyman/apprentice approach.

The club’s number is 615-242-5299. For more information on days and time of sets visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/lizzie-thomas.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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JULIE DEXTER

Julie Dexter is a world-renowned, award-winning British singer-songwriter and producer. She has shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Doug Carn, Third World, and Maxi Priest, to name a few. Influenced by such legends as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Dexter takes classic soul to the heart of her artistry.

In 1999, Dexter moved to Atlanta, where she now resides. She launched her label, Ketch A Vibe Records, and in 2000 released her critically acclaimed EP Peace of Mind, followed by Dexterity (2002), Conscious (2005), and New Again (2011). She released Moon Bossa, a collaboration with Khari Simmons, in 2007. Her single “Ketch A Vibe” was featured in national radio ads for President Obama’s election campaign. She has also sung for five Atlanta mayors, including mayor Andre Dickens.

Dexter was honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award in 2017. Her music transcends genres, and fans and critics across the globe have followed her journey through the circles of jazz, broken-beat, bossa nova, reggae, Afro-beat, and soul. Her latest album, Déjà Vu (2019), takes listeners on a journey from bossa to reggae. She is an audaciously independent artist with an undeniable connection to her audience.

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The Jazz Voyager

Staying in the northern part of the States, the Jazz Voyager is returning to New York City and heading to Broadway to a well known venue called Smoke. It’s an intimate jazz spot where Buster Willaims will be unveiling his latest album.

Opened in 1999 by co-founders Paul Stache and Frank Christopher, the jazz and supper club is currently owned by Stache and his wife and partner Molly Sparrow Johnson. Located at 2751 Broadway 10025 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, it’s at the junction of 106th. The venue hosts local and renowned jazz artists and has launched an associated record label, Smoke Sessions Records.

Bassist Buster Williams brings with him the talents of alto saxophonist Bruce Williams, Stefon Harris on vibraphone, pianist George Colligan and drummer Lenny White. This engagement is his celebration of the release of his new album, Unalome.

The club’s number is 212-864-6662. For more information on days and time of sets visit https://notoriousjazz.com/event/buster-williams-something-more-2.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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