Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Earl Okin was born in Carshalton, Surrey, England on January 31, 1947 and has lived in the West London neighborhood of Notting Hill since he was six years old. In 1959, at the age of 12, he appeared on a BBC TV talent show “All Your Own” playing guitar and singing his own songs. He wrote for The Beatles publisher Dick James.
Recording his first single at Abbey Road in 1967, some of his songs were covered during the 1960s by Cilla Black, Georgie Fame and Helen Shapiro. During the 1970s, Okin started to perform as a support act in large venues, beginning with folk acts and progressing to open for a variety of acts such as Jean-Luc Ponty and Van Morrison. However, it was the 1979 invitation to tour with Paul McCartney and Wings which prompted him to pursue his musical career full-time, and perform at jazz festivals.
In 1981, he appeared on the tv show Parkinson and was invited by Nigel Planer to perform at the Comic Strip. This led to his second career on the alternative comedy circuit where he remains a headline act. However, his act continues to be primarily musical. He has never performed stand-up. Fans’ favourite comedy songs of his are Mango, Bessie and My Room.
Working as a songwriter and jazz singer/musician, with a particular interest in bossa nova, he gives concerts in Brazil from time to time, as well as touring his one-man show, a mixture of music and comedy, worldwide. He has performed in New York City, toured India, Singapore, other nearby countries, and at home in London’s major venues.
He has released two singles, thirteen albums, written an autobiography, composed a six-movement symphony, and produced a biographical documentary Who is Earl Okin? Singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and comedian Earl Okin continues to perform and tour.
Acquaint an inquisitive mind with a dose of a Carshalton vocalist who is in the company of musical genius around the world as a member of the jazz canon…
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CHRISTIAN SANDS
Pianist Christian Sands brought a fresh perspective to the entire language of jazz. On his stunning album Be Water, the pianist draws inspiration from the calm and power of water and meditates on the possibilities offered by echoing in its fluidity and malleability.
Only in his thirties, Sands had already had a remarkable career trajectory, touring and recording for many years with Inside Straight and the Christian McBride Trio, as well as collaborating with musicians such as Gregory Porter, Geri Allen, Esperanza Spaulding and many others. The artist also serves as a creative ambassador for the Erroll Garner Foundation and is a resident of the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Tickets In Dollars: $49.02
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KEYON HARROLD
Keyon Harrold, a world-class jazzman, returns to Warsaw at Jassmine and will feature his new album Foreverland. It is full of emotion and drama, a triumphant journey that takes the listener through good, bad, ugly and beautiful experiences, leading to wisdom. Harrold says: What I can offer as a musician playing an instrument is an honest communication of emotion.
We had the opportunity to hear Harrold’s trumpet on two Grammy Award-winning albums – the soundtrack to the film “Miles Ahead” and “Take Me to the Alley” by Gregory Porter. In the Jazz Times readers’ vote for the best newcomer of 2015, Keyon took second place. Wynton Marsalis himself called him “the future of the trumpet”. The work of the star of the Jassmine concert is the result of jazz traditions, the spirit of soul and R&B music, and hip-hop energy and authenticity. Keyon Harrold doesn’t care about genre labels.
Tickets In Dollars: $51.61
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RICHARD BONA & ASANTE TRIO
Experience the magic of Grammy-winning Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona, known for his unique bass sound and captivating vocals! Bona beautifully blends African musical traditions with global jazz influences.
His collaborations with music legends and his role as an educator and mentor highlight his diverse talents.
The Asante Trio, his latest ensemble, showcases a fusion of Cuban, Haitian, and African sounds, offering a truly unique musical experience!
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Bob Bain was born January 26, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois and began his professional career in the 1940s playing guitar in popular big band outfits led by Tommy Dorsey and Bob Crosby. He is credited with guitar on one of Dorsey’s biggest hits, Opus No. 1.
An unusually early adopter of the electric guitar, Bob started playing an early Gibson Les Paul model before switching to a modified 1953 Fender Telecaster. Like most jazz guitarists, he also favoured semi-acoustic models such as the Gibson L-5 and ES-150.
A long time collaborator with composer Henry Mancini, he is also credited with the guitar introduction to the theme from the popular 1950s television private detective series Peter Gunn. Bain contributed his guitar talents on another of Mancini’s significant soundtrack albums, the musical score to the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, as well as playing on the soundtrack to the television Western series Bonanza.
Guitarist Bob Bain, who was mainly known for his film music contributions, including Dr. Zhivago, where he played the balalaika in the score for certain scenes where Lara’s Theme is heard, died on June 21, 2018 in Oxnard, California. He was 94.
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