JACKIEM JOYNER

Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has set the bar high in his close 20 years as a performer.  With a number one jazz album, several Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed booksto his name, he has shown himself to be the rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and reaching a mainstream audience.

Now, as he begins the 18th year of his career during a time of unprecedented change in the entertainment industry, he remains as focused on his art as ever.

Jackiem was born in Norfolk, VA.  At an early age, he began to show signs of the restless creativity that would later define his career.  Despite his humble upbringing, he was able to get his hands on a saxophone as a child.  The instrument quickly became his constant companion.  After years of practice, he emerged in style with 2007’s ‘Babysoul.’ A masterclass in seductive smooth jazz, the album marked the arrival of a brilliant instrumentalist, and set the stage for a prolific recording career that would include Grammy runner ups, hit singles, and no shortage of critical adoration, right up through 2019’s ‘Touch’, and on to 2020’s EP “Journey of Passion”

As a performer, he has toured over 30 countries and performed with the likes of the late George Duke, Marcus Miller, Keiko Matsui, Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bofill, Najee, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, and many others.

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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.

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Three Wishes

Richie Kamuca was hanging out with Nica when she inquired what three things he would wish for if given and he responded with:

1. “I guess I’d like people to like what I play.”
2. “I’d like people to like the way I play! I can’t think of anything else I’d like, man. That’s all I can wish for, baby! What else is there?”

*Excerpt from Three Wishes: An Intimate Look at Jazz Greats ~ Compiled and Photographed by Pannonica de Koenigswarter

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VINCENT HERRING

11th Anniversary with the SCC Jazz Orchestra

Saxophonist Vincent Herring’s intense, soulful, multi-noted style and ebullient swing have excited audiences worldwide. On stage, Herring and his band often make an incendiary sound over fine and controlled rhythms of modern times.

Vincent tours frequently with his projects around the in the United States, Europe, Japan, China and around the world. Vincent continues to share his distinct voice and musical knowledge, as a performer and jazz educator. He is currently on staff at William Paterson University and at Manhattan School of Music.

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WAYNE ESCOFFERY QUARTET

Wayne Escoffery is a 2014 & 2021 Downbeat Critics Poll Winner for both the tenor and soprano saxophones and a Grammy Award-winning musician. He is considered one of the jazz world’s most talented saxophonists and in-demand sidemen. Escoffery leads his groups, which tour internationally and has made several highly acclaimed studio recordings with said groups.

His current working quartet features pianist David Kikoski, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr., who took over for the late great Ralph Peterson Jr.

The band’s 2020 album The Humble Warrior on the Smoke Sessions Records label has gotten rave reviews and received four stars in the June 2020 issue of Downbeat Magazine. Full band lineup: Wayne Escoffery: Tenor Saxophone | David Kikoski: Piano | Ugonna Okegwo: Bass | Marvin “Smitty” Smith: Drums

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