The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager is on the road again, this time leaving Tennessee for Georgia. Heading north of Atlanta on 400 for the progressive city of Alpharetta where The Velvet Note does its thing. The 40 plus eating offers an intimate atmosphere where one comes to listen to jazz, not talk through the set.

On tap this week is trumpeter Russell Gunn & Blackhawk. The project’s name, Blackhawk, is a nod to the legendary 1961 album Miles Davis In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk. That record is famous for capturing Miles Davis at his most raw and hard-swinging, performing in a gritty San Francisco club with no rehearsals and no safety net.

The Velvet Note is located at 4075 Old Milton Parkway, 30005. For more information visit https://thevelvetnote.com

Tickets: $54.00


CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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RUSSELL GUNN & BLACKHAWK

Russell Gunn is a titan of contemporary jazz, takes the stage for a two-night run that promises to be the highlight of your holiday. Whether you are looking to impress out-of-town guests with Atlanta’s world-class music scene or simply need a sophisticated escape from the family chaos, this is the place to be.

The project’s name, Blackhawk, is a nod to the legendary 1961 album Miles Davis In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk. That record is famous for capturing Miles Davis at his most raw and hard-swinging, performing in a gritty San Francisco club with no rehearsals and no safety net.

Russell Gunn taps directly into that spirit. He isn’t just playing Miles Davis covers; he is channeling the fearless, high-wire energy of that era. Expect a set that swings hard, takes risks, and captures the visceral excitement of 1960s post-bop jazz.

Blackhawk:
Russell Gunn ~ Trumpet
Kevin Smith ~ Bass
Kevin Bales ~ Piano
Jeremy Clemons ~ Drums
Andre Hayward ~ Trombone
Kendrick Smith ~ Saxophone

Tickets: $54.00

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JOE GRANSDEN BIG BAND

Experience the magic of the season with Joe Gransden and His Band for the “Home for the Holidays” concert in the stunning Eagle Theatre in downtown Sugar Hill. From swinging takes on your favorite holiday classics to heartwarming moments that will have you singing along, this show is the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations. Every year, audiences rave about this unforgettable concert of music, joy, and festive spirit. Last year’s performance sold out in advance—and tickets are already going fast for this year! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this holiday tradition that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling long after the final note.

The Joe Gransden Big Band has become one of the hottest acts on today’s jazz scene. Since forming in 2009, Joe and his powerhouse ensemble have been winning over audiences nationwide with their electrifying performances and irresistible swing. With fans that include music legends like Smokey Robinson, who raves, “Joe has an innate ability to connect with an audience. His singing and trumpet playing are world-class!” It’s no wonder this band is in such high demand.

A masterful trumpet player with a celebrated hard bop style, Joe is also renowned for his smooth, captivating vocals, often likened to those of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. He has performed across the globe, released 14 acclaimed albums, and continues to headline world-class venues, such as The Blue Note in New York City.

Kicking off the evening will be Sugar Hill’s very own Broad St. Jazz Band, bringing high-energy jazz and swing favorites that set the stage for an unforgettable night of music.

Tickets: $38.56 ~ $43.31 including fee

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KIND OF BLUE: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF MILES DAVIS

Born in 1926, trumpeter Miles Davis was among the greatest innovators in jazz. This centennial concert celebrates his unparalleled musical legacy, which includes the albums Sketches of Spain, Tutu, Birth of the Cool and Kind of Blue. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, both Grammy Award nominees, will pay tribute to the magical pairing of Miles Davis and John Coltrane,

Miles was the quintessence of cool. A musical icon as well as a cultural one, Davis took his place in the pantheon by ceaselessly seeking and often ushering in the “next thing” in jazz while steadfastly refusing to be anyone but himself.   

Finding his footing in the bebop world in the late 1940s and early 50s, Davis would go on to reinvent his sound many times—to the consternation of many of his followers and the delight of others. To Davis, what the audience might want never seemed to enter into the equation. Throughout his 65 years on the planet, he would set his course of discovery, a renegade in a restless search for new, uncharted places that the music could take him.  

Featuring:
Ravi Coltrane ~ Tenor, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet
Ambrose Akinmusire ~ Trumpe
Veronica Swift ~ Vocal
Shelly Berg and the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra
Conductor ~ Scott Flavin

Tickets: $52.65 – $152.10

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STRAIGHT AHEAD

Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, comes the ground breaking, Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Straight Ahead was the first all-woman group signed to Atlantic Jazz.

Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, Straight Ahead is in the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame. with a sound that ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz to Latin jazz and jazzy hip-hop.  Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy!

The Group:
Alina Morr- Piano
Marion Hayden – Bass
Gayelynn McKinney- Drums
Kymberli Wright – Vocals
Ingrid Racine – Trumpet

Cover: $20.00

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