Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Jimmy Maxwell: The Trumpet Master You’ve Heard a Thousand Times
Born on January 9, 1917, in Stockton, California, Jimmy Maxwell was practically born with a trumpet in hand—he picked up the instrument at the remarkable age of four. Even as a child prodigy, he understood the value of serious training, studying throughout the 1930s with a roster of legendary brass teachers, including the renowned Herbie Clarke.

A Young Gun in the Swing Era
During the vibrant 1930s, Maxwell’s precocious talent found him working alongside some of the biggest names in jazz: Gil Evans, Jimmy Dorsey, vocalist Maxine Sullivan, and bandleader Skinnay Ennis. His big break came when he joined the prestigious Benny Goodman Orchestra—a gig that announced his arrival as a world-class player.

The Golden Age of Television
In 1943, Maxwell transitioned to what would become a legendary three-decade run as a studio musician for NBC. Night after night, his trumpet graced America’s living rooms through The Perry Como Show, The Patti Page Show, The Pat Boone Show, and The Tonight Show. While many musicians might have settled into such comfortable work, Maxwell’s restless talent demanded more.

A Secret Weapon on Countless Sessions
Maxwell’s studio work was merely the foundation. In 1962, he toured the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War—music as cultural diplomacy. He appeared on hundreds of recordings and commercials, becoming one of those invisible giants whose sound defined an era. As a sideman, he lent his brilliant tone to sessions with Woody Herman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Oliver Nelson, Gerry Mulligan, Maynard Ferguson, Quincy Jones, the New York Jazz Repertory Company, and Chuck Israels’ National Jazz Ensemble.

That Haunting Solo
Perhaps Maxwell’s most iconic moment came when he played the unforgettable trumpet solo for The Godfather soundtrack—that lonely, haunting theme that perfectly captured the film’s operatic melancholy. Millions heard it; few knew the master behind it.

Full Circle
Later in life, Maxwell returned to his roots, working with Dixieland jazz and swing ensembles and even reuniting with Benny Goodman for nostalgic performances. In 1977, he finally stepped into the spotlight as a leader, recording a session for Circle Records—a rare glimpse of Maxwell unfiltered.

Though he eventually retired from recording and performing, Maxwell never stopped teaching. From 1950 until 2001—an astonishing fifty-one years—he passed on his knowledge to new generations of brass players. When he passed away on July 20, 2002, the world lost not just a brilliant musician, but a patient mentor who had helped shape the sound of American music for over seven decades.

If you’ve watched television, heard a commercial, or listened to jazz from the mid-20th century, you’ve almost certainly heard Jimmy Maxwell’s trumpet—even if you never knew his name.

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VANESSA RUBIN

Vanessa Rubin is a revered jazz vocalist and storyteller celebrated for her crystalline clarity, soulful warmth, and bold improvisational style. Born in Cleveland to Trinidadian and Louisiana parents, her sound bridges Caribbean rhythm, classic jazz elegance, and Motown soul. Since launching her career in 1980 in Cleveland’s legendary clubs, Rubin has built an international performance and education legacy.

Signed to Novus/RCA in 1992, she released five albums, including chart-topping Soul Eyes (1992) and Pastiche (1993). Her acclaimed one-woman musical, Yesterdays: An Evening with Billie Holiday, earned a 2011 Kevin Klein Award nomination. Rubin continues touring globally, producing, teaching, and championing lyrical storytelling in jazz.

Performers:
Vanessa Rubin ~ Vocalist
Brandon McCune ~ Piano
Richie Goods ~ Bas
Alvin Atkinson ~ Drums

Cover: $40.00 | Friday, 7:30 Show ~ Sold Out

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VANESSA RUBIN

Vanessa Rubin is a revered jazz vocalist and storyteller celebrated for her crystalline clarity, soulful warmth, and bold improvisational style. Born in Cleveland to Trinidadian and Louisiana parents, her sound bridges Caribbean rhythm, classic jazz elegance, and Motown soul. Since launching her career in 1980 in Cleveland’s legendary clubs, Rubin has built an international performance and education legacy.

Signed to Novus/RCA in 1992, she released five albums, including chart-topping Soul Eyes (1992) and Pastiche (1993). Her acclaimed one-woman musical, Yesterdays: An Evening with Billie Holiday, earned a 2011 Kevin Klein Award nomination. Rubin continues touring globally, producing, teaching, and championing lyrical storytelling in jazz.

The Band: Miki Hayama ! Piano | Richie Goods ~ Bass | Alvin Atkinson ~ Drums | Patience Higgins ~ Tenor Saxophone

Cover: Free

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TOMI BERRY & OMAR ASKEW

Tomi Berry is a beautiful performer, inside and out, brings natural grace, a rich soulful voice, and spiritual essence to her performances throughout the Atlanta area and beyond. Wherever she sings, she spreads joy, whether singing smooth R&B, swinging jazz, or sultry ballads, she holds an audience in rapt attention.  A spiritual song-stylist, she engages her listeners in musical conversation.

The 2016 42nd Annual Lawrence Award Winner for “Best Seasoned Performer” and the runner up for the 2016’s inaugural Atlanta’s Top Vocalist competition, she has an extensive background in  performing and public speaking. An accomplished, classically trained singer, Tomi has performed most of her life in multiple music genres, starting formally in gospel and spiritual church choirs in her hometown of Montclair, NJ.

Omar Askew, a 19-year-old student at Kennesaw State University, is dedicated to studying Jazz Performance on the piano. Constantly striving for self-improvement, he aims to excel every time he touches his instrument. In lessons, Omar pushes his students to become the best pianists they can be, helping them achieve their personal goals.

Cover & Parking: Free

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JUSTICE MICHAEL

Drummer, producing and composing Justice Michael hits the stage with special guest Just grooving Band & DJ at TenAtl. Audiences are blown away by the rhythmic sounds that emit from this drummer, who makes his drum set seem like a natural extension of his limbs. Justice is known for his effortless deep pocket mixed with his own creative flare that hypnotizes  the crowd.  When he plays, it’s as simple as walking and talking to Justice.

Twenty two year old Justice graduated from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, with a Bachelor’s degree in Music.  His major was Musicianship, Artistry Development, and Entrepreneurship (M.A.D.E.) with a minor in Music Business and Entertainment Industry.

He won Amateur Night at the Apollo on three separate occasions.  Since then, Justice has been seen with his band, Anonymous DaBand, opening for jazz superstars such as Najee, Chrisette Michele, Pieces of a Dream, Bobby Caldwell, Lalah Hathaway and many more. With his growing experiences, Justice has become known in the drumming industry.  He has performed at the 2024 Atlanta Jazz Festival and recently secured endorsements with Amedia Cymbals, and Prentice Practice Pads.

Cover: $15.00 ~ Early Bird Until 1.12 | $20.00 ~ Week Of Tickets

CashApp: $justicemmusic | Venmo: @justicemmusic

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