STRAIGHT AHEAD
Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world, comes the ground breaking jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers.
Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz, latin jazz and jazzy neo-soul. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy with a wide range of musical textures, moods and tempos.
Straight Ahead was introduced to the world as finalist in the “Sony Innovators” competition. A national competition recognizing exceptional performers in the jazz field. They received international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. They were the first all woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including: Kem, Jean Luc Ponty, Nancy Wilson, Roy Ayers, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Max Roach, the Yellowjackets and Dianne Reeves.
Straight Ahead has established itself as an enduring and prolific ensemble. Recognized for its creativity, musicianship and dedication to making great music, the band was inducted into the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame.
These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews. Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!
THE BAND:
Alina Morr- Piano
Marion Hayden – Bass
Gayelynn McKinney- Drums
Kymberli Wright – Vocals
Ingrid Racine – Trumpet
Tickets: $40.00 Prepaid Cocktail Bar | $75.00 Prepaid Dinner & Show
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ROBERT GLASPER
Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts 5 Grammy wins and 11 nominations across 11 categories, an Emmy Award for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary “13th” with Common and Karriem Riggins, and a Peabody Award for his Composition of “Mr. Soul!”. His work and accolades bridge all aspects of the music business, from live touring to film scoring, composing and producing. The ongoing Black Radio series has since become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community: from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal, to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu.
In the last two years alone Glasper has seen a staggering diversity of success. He dropped Fuck Yo Feelings; a star-studded mixtape; his first on Loma Vista Records; with features ranging from YBN Cordae to Herbie Hancock to Yebba. The album was nominated for the Grammy for Best Progressive R&B album in the recent 2021 awards. He created an original score for the Emmy Nominated doc The Apollo and the feature film The Photograph starring Issa Rae.
He led a legendary residency at the Blue Note NYC with 56 sold-out shows in 27 days which saw everyone from Dave Chappelle to Tiffany Haddish, Chadwick Boseman, Q-Tip, Anderson.Paak and Angela Davis join him on and off stage. And, alongside long-time collaborator, co-producer, and creative partner Terrace Martin, he formed another dream team supergroup featuring Kamasi Washington and 9th Wonder called Dinner Party, who together wrote and recorded a debut self titled album that was released to rave reviews.
Tickets: $70.10 ~ $84.10
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ALAN BRIADBENT TRIO FEATURING HARVIE S
Alan Broadbent and Harvie S. originally met when they were students at Berklee College of Music. After school, Alan left with the Woody Herman Band and that was the beginning of a brilliant career. Ending up in California, he was pianist for 25 years with Charlie Haden, and on top, of that winning Grammys for arranging.
Harvie S. stayed in Boston for a few years and was summoned to New York where he played and recorded with many of the Jazz greats
(Kenny Barron, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Eddie Henderson, Art Farmer and many more).
Alan Broadbent is most well-known for his arranging and piano playing with Natalie Cole, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mandel, Charlie Haden’s Quartet West, Shirley Horn, Paul McCartney, and Dianna Krall to name just a few. He is twice Nominated for Grammys.
Harvie S. is one of the most popular bass players ever performing on over 400 albums, including 16 as a leader. His recordings and tours with Stan Getz, Pat Metheny, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, James Moody, Toots Thielemans, Shirley Horn, and many more are legendary.
Tickets: $45.00 ~ $50.00
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The Jazz Voyager
Making the roughly hour and half ride up the highway to come across the Verazzano~Narrows Bridge into the Big Apple after departing the City of Brotherly Love on a high note. This Jazz Voyager is heading uptown on the West Side to Columbus Circle for an evening of live jazz at Dizzy’s Club. This venue serves up a seasonal menu of delights for the palate, libations to please, and overlooks Central Park giving patrons the expansive vista views from their 5th floor location.
In residence from Wednesday to Saturday is master musician Herlin Riley and I will be in the company of this talented drummer. Hailing from NOLA, (New Orleans, Louisiana for those who don’t know) not only is he a bandleader in his own right but also holds the position in the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. Joining him on stage are saxophonist Stacy Dillard, pianist Tyler Bullock and bassist Liany Mateo.
Dizzy’s Club is located at Fredrick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, New York, NY 10019. For more information visit https://beta.jazz.org/dizzys.
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The Jazz Voyager
From Ann Arbor to the City of Brotherly Love is the travel plan for this Jazz Voyager as I head to Avenue of the Arts where culture and jazz lives. This trip is offering up a two-fer platter of entertainment at South Jazz Kitchen. Serving up elevated comfort food rooted in the food of the south for soul-satisfying dishes.
This Thursday I will be in the company of vocalist, songwriter, producer, musical theater actress and radio host Lori Williams who will be taking the stage. A layover is also going to have me returning to the club on Friday to give me the pleasure of seeing for the first time another amazing vocalist Sy Smith in person.
South Jazz Kitchen is located at 600 N. Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19130. For more information visit southjazzkitchen.com.
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