STITH BROTHERS

The Atlanta Jazz Festival presents the Stith Brothers and the KSU Jazz Combo as part of their Neighborhood Jazz Series.

The captivating world of The Stith Brothers is where timeless melodies and soulful harmonies reign supreme. Since 1989, twin brothers Marc & Mike Stith have enchanted audiences with their velvety smooth baritone vocals and their unmistakable charm. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, they have crooned their way through jazz festivals, nightclubs, and private engagements, leaving a trail of melody from their hometown roots to the cool vibes of Montreal, Canada.

Under the tutelage of the legendary Bill Brannen and alongside luminaries like Johnny O’Neal, Marc & Mike have honed their craft with dedication and artistry, interpreting the greatest compositions from jazz and the Great American Songbook with an undeniable flair. Their journey is a rich tapestry of musical dedication and cultural resonance, culminating in their tribute album “High Standards,” honoring the iconic legacies of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

Now, as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their musical odyssey, The Stith Bros. are thrilled to invite you into their world of jazz. With their new website, they offer fans an immersive experience where you can explore their storied career, upcoming projects, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. From their captivating performances to their upcoming releases, The Stith Bros. promise an experience that soothes the soul and moves the spirit.

Free to the public.

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JULIE DEXTER

The world renowned, award winning, British singer, songwriter and producer is considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation. Having 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, Julie not only holds up her own with them but has been praised and respected by them too.

Influenced by legends such as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of Artistry. Fans and critics across the globe have followed her journey through the circles of Jazz, Broken-Beat, Bossa-Nova, Reggae, Afro-Beat and Soul and she was recently honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award.

It was in 1999 that Julie took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she now resides. She launched her own label, Ketch A Vibe Records and in 2000 released the critically acclaimed EP Peace of Mind, followed by Dexterity (2002) ,Conscious (2005) and New Again (2011). Moon Bossa, a collaboration with Khari Simmons was released in 2007 and her single “Ketch A Vibe” was featured in national radio ads for Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama. Her latest release Deja Vu is an eclectic blend of Jazz, Soul and Reggae.

Tickets: $33 per person | $3.95 Processing Fee

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MONTY ALEXANDER

The Real Deal Monty Alexander is a Kingston, Jamaica born jazz pianist whose playing has a Caribbean influence and bright swinging feeling, with a strong vocabulary of bebop jazz and blues rooted melodies. He was influenced by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Les McCann, and Frank Sinatra.

Alexander also sings and plays the melodica. He is known for his surprising musical twists, bright rhythmic sense, and intense dramatic musical climaxes. His recording career has covered many of the well-known American songbook standards, jazz standards, pop hits, and Jamaican songs from his original homeland. He performs frequently throughout the world at jazz festivals and clubs.

The Band: Monty Alexander ~ piano | Luke Sellick ~ bass | Jason Brown ~ drums

Tickets: $41.74~$53.38

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Requisites

Focus ~ Bill Hardman | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s discussion is a terrific album by Bill Hardman. Focus (Muse Records MR 5259) is his fourth release as a leader, and a hidden gem in his catalog. Bill was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where his jazz journey began playing with Tadd Dameron while in high school, and after graduating, with Tiny Bradshaw. His first recording with Jackie McLean in 1956 marked the beginning of a career that, although not widely known, earned deep respect in jazz circles for his exceptional trumpet and flugelhorn performances. On this album, Bill’s trumpet is joined by Slide Hampton on trombone (tracks: A2, A3, B1, B3), Junior Cook on tenor sax, Walter Bishop Jr. on piano, Mark Elf on guitar (B2), Stafford James on bass, and Leroy Williams on drums. My copy is the 1980 U.S. stereo release.

Side One is off to the races with Avila & Tequila by Hank Mobley. Leroy opens with a spirited introduction, accompanied by Walter and Stafford, setting the stage for the ensemble’s collective theme. Bill soars through the opening solo energetically. Junior’s following statement is brimming with dynamic energy. Walter maintains the vigorous momentum next, and Leroy charges the finale in a short workout, culminating in the theme’s reprise and fadeout. The sextet eases into the medium melody of Cubicle by Walter Bishop Jr. Bill gets into a good groove on the lead solo. Slide has an outstanding moment before Junior takes over to put his ideas into practice. Walter wraps it up before the restatement and exit.

Up next is Bill Lee’s Too Little, Too Late. The sextet’s medium-tempo introduction and melody start things off. Bill gets things going with a relaxing interpretation, then Slide moves with unhampered ease in the following solo. Junior jumps into a short, articulate statement next, and Walter wraps things up with a satisfying conclusion, preceding the closing chorus. The title tune, Focus by Tadd Dameron, changes the direction to begin the second side with the ensemble’s upbeat introduction and theme in unison. Slide steps up first to give a lively solo. Junior glides over the rhythm section with agility and skillful confidence next, then Bill attacks the following reading with virile lyricism. Walter continues conveying happy thoughts on the piano, and Stafford takes a short walk leading to the ending theme.

My One and Only Love by Robert Mellin and Guy Wood begins with Walter’s introduction, setting the mood for Bill’s tender melody with Junior shadowing him as it unfolds. Junior tells a touching story in the opening statement, then Mark delivers notes of great beauty in his only solo spotlight. Bill follows with a passionately haunting interpretation preceding his return to the gentle ending theme and soft climax. Minority by Basheer Qusim takes off like a race car with Leroy leading the sextet into a speedy melody. Bill goes to work first with a spirited solo, then Junior cooks at the right temperature. Slide infuses the following reading with riveting urgency. Walter builds the following statement exquisitely, and Leroy shines in a short workout before the melody’s restatement and finale.

Fred Seibert produced Focus, and the recording engineer was Fred Miller. The album is a joy to listen to, with a superb soundstage that brings the musicians to the sweet spot in your listening room with stunning fidelity. Bill Hardman recorded only five albums as a leader, but his discography as a sideman is extensive, including with Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Lou Donaldson, Charles Mingus, and Horace Silver. He also co-led a group with Junior Cook but ultimately remained little known to the general public. He died on December 6, 1990, from a brain hemorrhage at age fifty-seven. If you’re a hard bop fan, I invite you to check out Focus by Bill Hardman on your next vinyl hunt. It’ll reward you with many hours of listening pleasure, especially if you’re a fan of jazz trumpet!

~ Jackie’s Pal (Prestige PRLP 7068) – Source: Discogs.com

~My One and Only Love – Source: JazzStandards.com

© 2025 by Edward Thomas Carter

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LEESA RICHARDS

Save Your Love For Me | Leesa Sings Nancy Wilson

As a part of Miami’s vibrant music scene, singer/songwriter Leesa Richards is helping to shape and define its evolving sound. She has performed with a slate of powerhouse artists including Faith Hill, The Bee Gees, Kelly Clarkson, Gloria Estefan, and Carole King, and recorded with Barbra Streisand and Lenny Kravitz, among other artists.

Richards grew up in music-rich Detroit and started showing an inclination towards the arts at a very early age. She began honing her vocal chops with soul greats Gerald Austin and Peabo Bryson and contemporary soul maverick Dionne Farris.

Tickets: $40.00 ~ $50.00

Presented by the Sunshine Jazz Organization

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