
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Francesca Tanksley was born November 21, 1957 in Vincenza, Italy but grew up in Munich, Germany where she studied music from the age of seven. Moving to Boston, Massachusetts at 16, she studied piano and composition at Berklee College Of Music.
Two years later she returned to Munich. In 1980 she moved to New York City where she worked with Melba Liston until 1983, then she joined Billy Harper’s quintet with whom she toured extensively.
She has worked with Clifford Jordan, Cecil Payne, Bill Hardman and Erica Lindsay. She leads her own quintet and co-leads the Erica Lindsay/ Howard Johnson Quintet. As an educator she has been on the faculty of the New School, Berklee College. She has facilitated workshops and masterclasses at University of Southern California at Santa Cruz, Hampton University, Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute, Arizona State University, and Bard College.
Pianist Francesca Tanksley, who is a composer and educator, continues to perform and compose.
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JIM GAISOR
Jim Gasior is a titanic figure in Miami jazz. He has performed with Ricky Martin, Kelly Clarkson, Alih Jey, Chayanne, Little Richard, Michael Bolton, Jose Feliciano, Smokey Robinson, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Terell Stafford, Patti Austin, John Fedchock, Duffy Jackson, Jason Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Robin Eubanks, Jeremy Pelt, Jay Leonhart and the Jaco Pastorius Reunion Big Band. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz Performance, and a Master’s degree in Jazz Pedagogy – both from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where he is in the final stages of his Doctorate in Jazz.
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The Jazz Voyager
Heading west and coming in early to Ann Arbor, Michigan to investigate the African American Culture and History Museum, the Flight Museum and given time the Chelsea Area Historical Society Museum to see what the city and surrounding areas offer. The next leg of our tour stop of jazz clubs for a visit this week is the stylish lounge restaurant, Blue Llama. With Afro-Caribbean cuisine, designed by James Beard Award-winning Chef JJ Johnson paired with jazz, it creates a destination music venue.
On tap for entertainment is South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini bringing the African warrior code that is deeply reliant on music for motivation and healing to the bandstand. With a deep influence of McCoy Tyner and Coltran’s quartet he allows his vision to be heard.
The Blue Llama is located at 314 S Main Street, 48104. For more information visit https://bluellamaclub.com.
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EMMETT COHEN
Emmet Cohen is committed to the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge, history, and traditions. His signature professional undertaking is the “Masters Legacy Series,” a celebratory set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians. He serves as both producer and pianist for each album in the series. The goal of this landmark, ongoing project is to provide musicians of multiple generations a forum to transfer the unwritten folklore that is America’s unique musical idiom. Cohen has observed that playing jazz “is enriched immeasurably by connecting and studying with jazz masters, forging backward to the very creation of the art form.” Volume one of the “Masters Legacy Series” features drummer Jimmy Cobb, and volume two spotlights bassist Ron Carter. Future “Masters Legacy Series” releases will include Cohen’s recordings with Benny Golson, Tootie Heath, and George Coleman.
Cover: $20.00 – $45.00 + $3.50 fee
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MIKE CLARK, DAVE STRYKER, MIKE LEDONNE, ROB DIXON
A exhilarating jazz filled collaboration with drummer Mike Clark, guitarist Dave Stryker, organist Mike LeDonne, and saxophonist Rob Dixon. A night with original and fan favorite compositions, this swinging ensemble will get your toes tappin’ and fingers snappin’ with exceptional musicianship and innovation.
Mike Clark is a legendary drummer known for his innovative rhythmic approach and his contributions to jazz fusion and hip hop. His drumming is characterized by its intricate and syncopated rhythms, and he has influenced countless drummers. He was a key member of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters band, which pioneered the jazz fusion genre. His rhythmic innovations were heavily sampled by hip-hop artists, and his influence continues to be felt today.
Dave Stryker is a renowned jazz guitarist known for his soulful playing and versatility. With a long career and numerous collaborations, he consistently delivers captivating performances that showcase his mastery of the instrument. If you appreciate great music and want to experience a truly unforgettable live show, seeing Dave Stryker is highly recommended.
Pianist/Organist Mike LeDonne is an internationally renowned pianist and organist with the unique experience of having played with a wide spectrum of jazz masters from Benny Goodman to Milt Jackson, Ron Carter and Sonny Rollins. With his impressive technique and ability to blend different styles, he consistently delivers captivating performances. He has won praise not only from critics but from master musicians: Oscar Peterson picked him as one of his favorite pianists of today.
Saxophonist Rob Dixon’s music is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. He quickly made a name for himself in New York City, collaborating with jazz legends like Count Basie, Tony Bennett, and Duke Ellington. Now Naptown bound and dubbed the Musical Mayor of Indianapolis, Dixon continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide with his unique blend of jazz and contemporary sounds.
Tickets: $20.00 – $40.00 + $3.50 fee
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