XAVIER DAVIS QUARTET

Xavier Davis’ professional career as a Jazz pianist took off when the legendary vocalist Betty Carter spotted his outstanding talent at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston while he was performing with his college ensemble. It was her who brought Xavier to New York, hiring him exclusively as the pianist of her working trio.  Today, Xavier is one of the most accomplished Jazz pianists world wide.  Having led master classes and clinics all over the world and coming from a family of music educators, passing on knowledge and skills to young musicians is very important to Xavier. As such, he is proud to be Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University. Xavier was also member of the teaching staff in the Jazz department of the Juilliard School of Music in New York for six years prior to that.

His development as a musician has been greatly influenced by the inspiration and guidance he has received from Carl Allen, James Williams, and Billy Hart, whom he sees and respects as his great mentors.  In addition to Betty and Carl, Xavier has performed and recorded with many other world-famous Jazz artists like the legendary Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Christian McBride, Regina Carter, Stefon Harris, Abbey Lincoln, Wynton Marsalis, Don Byron, Nat Adderley, Nicholas Payton, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Greene, Steve Turre, Al Foster, and Jeremy Pelt among others. During the 1999 – 2000 season, Xavier worked with the Boy’s Choir of Harlem as their Musical Director. He also played keyboard for the television series “Cosby.” His talent has been featured on more than 50 albums.  Xavier is part of the Christian McBride Big Band and was featured on Christian’s album ‘The Good Feeling’, which won a Grammy award in 2012.

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s a bandleader, Xavier has released two critically acclaimed albums – ‘Dance of Life’ and ‘The Innocence of Youth’. “The pianist [Xavier Davis] simply knows how to make every note on his instrument sing, and he invariably finds the richest area of the keyboard for voicing his chords.” says writer Bob Blumenthal. Jazz Times reviewer John Murph writes “…the music exudes a mature, nonchalant ease and cozy empathy that make this…a rewarding listen.” Down Beat gave the CD, “Dance of Life,” four stars, stating, “Davis steps out with an accomplished debut.”  Xavier is currently working on his long awaited follow-up to these albums.

In 2005, Xavier became the first person to receive the prestigious “New Works Grant” twice from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation under the auspices of Chamber Music America. He has won awards at several festivals as well as in Down Beat magazine.

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SUNNY WILKINSON

Sunny Wilkinson has taken her place in that elite group of jazz vocalists who have stretched the boundaries and found themselves “one of a kind.”

Sunny has sung with music icons such as The Count Basie Orchestra, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Clark Terry, Mark Murphy, Milt Hinton, Curtis Fuller and many more.  She has recorded four CDs as leader and numerous guest appearances. “Into the Light,” her newest CD, is all about family—not just Wilkinson’s immediate family, but her extended musical family as well. Featuring her Michigan band, Ron Newman on piano, Ed Fedewa on Bass, and Larry Ochiltree on Drums, it comprises a stylistic mix of tunes that resonate with Wilkinson because of the stories they tell. The CD features her crystalline voice and impressive ability to convey the heart of a lyric with unadorned honesty.

Sunny has also made significant contributions in jazz education.  She was the head of the vocal jazz program at Michigan State University for eighteen years.  Presently she is adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University and an artist in residence at the University of Michigan. She developed a mentoring program for young women jazz musicians called “Sisters in Jazz” that was taken to an international level through IAJE.  Sunny is very proud of her former students, many of whom are now the heads of vocal jazz programs at universities around the country and have successful careers as jazz performers and recording artists.

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HERBIE HANCOCK

Herbie Hancock Celebrates Miles Davis Centennial

This concert features some of the biggest names in jazz, including two of Miles’ former bassists—Ron Carter, who was a member of the legendary Miles Quintet with Herbie, as well as Marcus Miller, who produced Miles’ electric band classic, Tutu, Grammy winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, former Miles Davis saxophonist Kenny Garrett, esteemed bassist Christian McBride, and conductor, arranger Vince Mendoza. All told, that’s 45 Grammys on one stage honoring an absolute titan of music.

The program will feature music from throughout Miles’ career, including his collaborations with Gil Evans on the landmark albums Miles Ahead and Porgy and Bess, as well as a reimagining of his iconic late ’60s quartet and his fusion era.

Tickets: $39.00 ~ $759 (fee included)

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JOE ALTERMAN

Joe Alterman returns to Eddie’s Attic for one night only!!!

Atlanta native Joe Alterman expresses a certain upbeat naivete, with a broad smile and bright eyes that make you feel welcome. One would not guess that this is a man hailed by greats; Ramsey Lewis describes his piano playing as ‘a joy to behold’, Les McCann states ‘As a man and musician he is already a giant’. Journalist Nat Hentoff championed three of Alterman’s albums, as well as his writing (Joe wrote liner notes to three Wynton Marsalis/JALC albums, calling one of Joe’s columns “one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I’ve ever read, and I’m not exaggerating.”

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TOMI BERRY

Sunday Jazz Lounge host Lori Williams introduces vocalist Tomi Berry as she brings to the stage an afternoon tribute to the numerous female singers and songwriters in jazz and R&B who have influenced her life. The Atlanta vocalist  moves effortlessly through jazz, smooth R&B, soulful ballads, and spiritual music with a rich, expressive voice. A classically trained singer and seasoned performer, she is known for creating an intimate musical conversation with her audience while bringing warmth and personality to every song.

Female Rhythm Section:
Natalie Ragins ~ Keys
J LaToiya Hester ~ Drums
Téja Veal ~ Bass, Music Director

Cover: $40.84 ~ %51/36 (fee included)

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