THE BAYLOR PROJECT
Join us for The Gathering 2023 kick off with a concert to benefit Hammonds House Museum featuring 6X Grammy Award nominated husband and wife duo, The Baylor Project, at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College at 8:00 PM. In addition to an evening of amazing and masterful performance, there will be a silent auction, an opportunity to win a fine art print by one of Atlanta’s critically acclaimed visual artists and VIP meet and greet with The Baylors at a pre-reception at 7:00pm.
A husband. A wife. An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community.
These are the things that power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor. This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. As the children of Pastors, Marcus’ and Jean’s musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul to make it’s mark. Their debut CD “The Journey“, released on their own label, Be A Light, topped the Billboard Jazz Chart at Number 8 in 2017 and a year later garnered 2 GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Two years later during one of the most challenging years in recent history, The Baylors released their single, “Sit On Down” in 2020 which earned a 3rd GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, solidifying The Baylor Project as an undeniable force. Their second album, “Generations,” released in 2021 earned the duo its first NAACP Image Award win for Outstanding Jazz Album-Vocal and it’s 4th GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. And their first live album, “The Evening : Live At APPARATUS” earned The Baylors their 5th and 6th GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Improvised Jazz Solo.
Marcus and Jean Baylor signed an exclusive distribution agreement, in partnership with their artist-owned label, Be A Light with Motown Gospel (a division of Capitol CMG/Capitol and Universal Music Group) making The Baylor Project’s catalogue available for the first time across all streaming platforms.
More Posts: adventure,concert,genius,jazz,music,preserving,travel,vocal
MARIE-CLAIRE GIRAUD
Marie-Claire Giraudis a soprano, jazz singer, musical theater singer, songwriter, composer, playwright, and actor. Born on the island of Dominica and raised in The Bronx. Marie-Claire started her operatic training in Rome, Italy. The pandemic afforded Marie-Claire the luxury of time to reflect, and she overcame obstacles that were blocking her creative path.
With her creativity freed, Marie-Claire wrote her first musical, discovered her true voice of soprano. With the musical finished Marie-Claire has many more projects in the works, screenplays, novels, EP’s, musicals and more.
Program: The Great American Songbook At The Movies
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,jazz,music,preserving,restaurant,travel,vocal
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Joseph Lucian Roccisano was born on October 15, 1939 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education from SUNY-Potsdam in 1963. In 1964 he played in the Tommy Dorsey orchestra under Sam Donahue.
After moving to Los Angeles, California in the mid-Sixties he played with Don Ellis, Ray Charles, Louie Bellson, Lew Tabackin, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Terry Gibbs, Don Menza, Bill Holman, and Don Rader. He assembled the 15-piece ensemble Rocbop in 1976 and played in the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut in 1981.
He formed his own big band, the Joe Roccisano Orchestra, releasing two albums during the 1990s. The musicians joining him in this band included Bill Charlap, Bud Burridge, Jack Stuckey, Franck Amsallem, James E. Pugh, John Basile, Ken Hitchcock, Lou Marini, Matt Finders, Robert Millikan, Scott Lee, Terry Clarke, Tim Ries, Tom Harrell, Scott Robinson, and Greg Gisbert.
He became an arranger for Ellis, Bellson, Doc Severinsen, and Woody Herman. He scored the tune Green Earrings on the 1978 Herman album Chick, Donald, Walter, and Woodrow. Joe was nominated for a Grammy Award for the arrangement. He composed Tenors of the Time, a tune recorded by Pete Christlieb and Warne Marsh.
Saxophonist and arranger Joe Roccisano transitioned on November 9, 1997.
More Posts: arranger,bandleader,history,instrumental,jazz,music,saxophone
Requisites
Presenting Michael Weiss ~ Michael Weiss Quintet | By Eddie Carter
It’s always a pleasure when I discover a new pianist, and this morning’s subject is a recent addition to my library by a young man named Michael Weiss. Presenting Michael Weiss (Criss Cross Jazz 1022) is his first album as a leader and was released in 1986. Michael was born in Dallas, Texas, and began studying music at Indiana University, where he earned his degree. Michael later moved to New York, where he played with Jon Hendricks and as a sideman in some of the best jazz groups. He’s joined here by Tom Kirkpatrick on trumpet, Ralph Lalama on tenor sax, Ray Drummond on bass and Kenny Washington on drums. My copy is the original Netherlands Stereo album.
My Melancholy Baby by Ernie Burnett and George A. Norton starts with the quintet’s mid-tempo theme. Tom leads off with a relaxing interpretation. Ralph gets to the song’s heart in the next reading. Michael responds with a comforting solo. Ray makes a concise comment, and the front line engages in a conversation ahead of the finale. Washington introduces the pianist’s Après Vous, segueing into the ensemble’s brisk melody. Lalama takes the song’s first energetic flight, followed by Kirkpatrick’s dazzling tone in the second solo. Weiss heads to new heights next, and Washington delivers the finale in an exchange with both horns until the conclusion.
Enigma is a beautiful ballad by J.J. Johnson that Michael brings to life with a passionately tender introduction, which blossoms into the song’s gorgeous opening chorus. The pianist has the spotlight to himself in the song’s only solo and delivers an exceptionally gentle reading preceding the ensemble’s delicate climax. Side Two starts with the tempo moving back upward for Tom Kirkpatrick’s blues, B.G.O. After the quintet’s leisurely paced theme, Kirkpatrick establishes a happy groove on the opening solo. Lalama returns the compliment on the next reading, and then Weiss takes a delightful turn. Washington shares the finale with the front line, leading to the reprise and finish.
Riverbed by Joe Zawinul is a very pretty song and the album’s only trio performance. Michael takes the lead on the melody and opening statement. Ray comes in next for a few flowing lines, and Kenny keeps perfect time in the closer before the trio takes the song out. Gallop’s Gallop is one of Thelonious Monk’s little-known tunes, and the quintet pays homage to him with a quirky melody reminiscent of Monk himself. Weiss steps up first for a delightful performance, and then Kirkpatrick has a bit of fun on the following solo. Lalama serves up a delicious reading next. Drummond takes a short walk with the bass, and Washington provides the final treat into the closing chorus.
Gerry Teekens produced Presenting Michael Weiss, and Rudy Van Gelder was the recording engineer. The album’s sound quality is excellent, with an outstanding soundstage that’s stunning from start to finish and gives the listener the best seat in the house as the musicians are playing. Michael Weiss recorded five releases as a leader and appeared on just a few more as a sideman. However, if you’re in the mood for post-bop and are a jazz piano fan, I invite you to check out Presenting Michael Weiss on your next record-shopping trip. It’s a wonderful album of great playing and tight musicianship that’s sure to whet any jazz fan’s appetite to hear more!
~ My Melancholy Baby – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter
More Posts: choice,classic,collectible,collector,history,instrumental,jazz,music,piano
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
William ‘Red’ McKenzie was born on October 14, 1899 in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1923, he founded the Mound City Blue Blowers with Jack Bland and Dick Slevin. Later they were joined by guitarist Eddie Lang. The quartet also used the name Red McKenzie and the Candy Kids.
In 1929, the Blue Blowers recorded the songs One Hour and Hello Lola with Glenn Miller, Pee Wee Russell and Coleman Hawkins. They also recorded with Bunny Berigan, Jimmy Dorsey, and Muggsy Spanier. McKenzie sang with the Paul Whiteman orchestra and in the 1930s led the Spirits of Rhythm and the Farley-Riley band.
In 1931, he sang on Time on My Hands, Just Friends, and I’m Sorry Dear. McKenzie played in the Town Hall concerts of Eddie Condon, but retired in the 1940s.
On February 7, 1948 jazz vocalist and musician Red McKenzie, who played a comb-and-paper as an instrument, transitioned in New York City.
More Posts: comb & paper,history,instrumental,jazz,music,vocal