Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Bheki Mseleku was born Bhekumuzi Hyacinth Mseleku on March 3, 1955 in South Africa. Entirely self-taught, though his father was a musician and teacher, his religious belief denied musical access to his children. Growing up in Apartheid he was subjected to restricted healthcare and lost the upper joints of two fingers in a go-karting accident.
His musical career began in Johannesburg in 1975 as an electric organ player for the R&B band Spirits Rejoice. After performing at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1977, Mseleku settled in Botswana for a time, then moved to London in the late 1970s. He attempted to settle into the jazz scene in Stockholm from 1980 to 1983, but returned to London. It was not until 1987 that Bheki made his debut at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, playing piano unaccompanied by other musicians, with a saxophone in his lap that a wider audience became familiar.
With the release and notoriety of his 1991 debut album Celebration, and subsequent nomination for a Mercury Music Prize that Verve Records signed him for several albums. The first of these featured Joe Henderson, Abbey Lincoln, and Elvin Jones.
Twelve years and five albums later Bheki recorded his final session “Home at Last” in 2003, having spent most of his last years in South Africa. He never found an outlet for his skills and established a new band in London that was very well received by fans. Over the course of his life Bheki Mseleku lived with diabetes and on September 9, 2008 the pianist, saxophonist, guitarist, composer and arranger passed away in his London flat at age 53.
JOHN PIZZARELLI
Grammy winning producer, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a pair of heartfelt tributes Dear Mr. Bennett, to be released March 3, 2026, which features Pizzarelli’s trio performing timeless songs made famous by Bennett.
For world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, Tony Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer, appearing on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast that also featured pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart. The admiration was mutual – Bennett could be found in the audience for a number of Pizzarelli’s performances, and sketched his likeness on two occasions. The charming artwork that graces the cover of Pizzarelli’s heartfelt new tribute album, Dear Mr. Bennett, was rendered during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel.
John Pizzarelli ~ guitar and vocals
Isaiah J. Thompson ~ piano
Mike Karn ~ double bass
Tickets: Streaming $15.00 +fee | GA $45.00 ~ $55.00 +fee
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Freddy Robinson was born Fred Leroy Robinson on February 24, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee but was raised in Arkansas and by 1956 was in Chicago. That year he first recorded backing harmonica player Birmingham Jones. In 1958, he began touring with Little Walter and after seeing a jazz band performance was inspired to formally learn music at the Chicago School of Music.
Freddy soon was working and recording with Howlin’ Wolf, and by the mid-1960s was playing with Jerry Butler and Syl Johnson before joining Ray Charles in Los Angeles. While there, he recorded the instrumental “Black Fox”, which became a minor pop hit. In the early 1970s, he worked with English blues bandleader John Mayall, playing on the album Jazz Blues fusion and recording with trumpeter Blue Mitchell.
As a leader Robinson would record two albums, At The Drive In and Off The Cuff, supported by Joe Sample and Wilton Felder of the Crusaders. Throughout his career he worked with Earl Gaines, Jimmy Rogers, Monk Higgins, Stanley Turrentine and Bobby Bland. In 1975 he converted to Islam changing his name to Abu Talib and recorded solo, re-emerging in 1994 with an album of his own compositions, The Real Thing at Last.
Abu Talib, jazz and blues guitarist, singer and harmonica player, died of cancer in Lancaster, California on October 8, 2009.
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Jean-Paul Maunick was born February 19, 1957 in Mauritius to poet Edouard Maunick. At the age of nine his family moved to the United Kingdom and learning to play the guitar began his journey in music.
A founding member of the group Light of the World, Maunick formed the British acid jazz band Incognito in 1979 and released his debut album “Jazz Funk” in 1981. Bluey, as he is known to most, has fused funk, R&B, Brazilians rhythms and soul into a sound that has captured and kept the world’s attention. In addition to releasing fourteen studio albums as well as several live albums, remix albums and compilation albums.
His group dynamic has changed over the years as he has brought singers Jocelyn Brown, Carleen Anderson, Tony Momrelle, Imaani, Maysa Leak Kelli Sae of Count Basic and Joy Malcom to take the lead vocal position. His record production credits include artists such as Paul Weller, George Benson, Maxi Priest, and Terry Callier, having also collaborated with Stevie Wonder.
Guitarist, bandleader, composer and record producer Jean Paul Maunick, better known as Bluey, continues to explore new directions in music performing and touring worldwide.
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ALLAN HARRIS
Celebrate Black History Month with a powerful performance that honors the resilience, creativity, and legacy of Black Americans. Join us for Harlem After Dark: An Uptown Jazz Party, a vibrant tribute to Harlem’s golden era, featuring world-class musicians, dynamic tap dance, and soulful performances by Allan Harris, Maya Azucena, and AC Lincoln.
This electrifying evening celebrates the enduring legacy of Harlem’s jazz icons while embracing the energy of today’s music scene, making both productions must-see events that highlight the profound impact of Black history and culture.
Tickets: $25.00
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