Artist Interviews
Hiromi
Hiromi is an up and coming Japanese prodigy on
piano and keyboards who can be heard playing with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White on the Heads Up International
release “Jazz in the Garden” which is a straight ahead acoustic jazz cd released May 12, 2009. However this new
project titled, “The Stanley Clarke Band”, will showcase the ensemble playing fusion jazz and the electrified
energy will be very high.
Hiromi is a thirty-one year old, Berkeley Music college
graduate, virtuoso who has been playing for twenty-five years and has mastered a variety of styles. She has created
incredibly vibrant soundtracks for the cartoon series “Tom and Jerry” showcasing her lightening fast play matching the high energy
of a their high speed chases. Then in contrast her latest solo piano release on Telarc called “Place to Be” has
some of the most beautiful and stirring solo piano imaginable. And along with working with Stanley Clarke and
Lenny White she has also played with Chick Corea so obviously “Return to Forever” was a big influence on her music.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Kenny Barron
Named one of the “Top Jazz Pianists in
the World”, the nine–time Grammy nominated NEA Jazz Master, Kenny Barron continues to mesmerize audiences
with his elegant, lyrical and sensitive melodies. With uncountable collaborations and over 40 recordings
as a bandleader, Kenny Barron’s music proves to be as relevant to the institution of jazz as ever. Still
composing, teaching, and touring, Barron will hit the stage with the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars on
Tour – landing in Atlanta on February 27, 2010.
AtlantaJazz.Info had a delightfully informative conversation with
Mr. Kenny Barron about his life and the music
To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Soulive
Soulive is a soul groove organ trio
consisting of brothers Alan Evans (drummer), Neal Evans (Hammond B3) and soul brother Erik Krasno
(guitarist); and this trio has taken their soulful instrumental jazz stylings to new arenas.
Collaborating with the likes of Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Amel Larrieux, and MeShell N’dgeocello
and opening for groups like the Rolling Stones, the music of Soulive continues to bridge the gap
between the old school funk-jazz organist like Reuben Wilson and Jimmy Smith; and the jazz-rock-hip-hop-soul
of today. I caught up with Alan Evans as he was preparing to tour in support of their latest studio release “Up Here”.
AtlantaJazz.Info was able to speak with Alan Evans about
their current tour amd their new album.
To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten is one of the most
awesome electric bass players of his generation. Raised on Funk, Jazz and R&B he has created
a style of playing that is completely his own for a new generation of music lovers. “Bass Tribute”
from the “Soul Circus” 2005 CD is an example of just how special his talent is to fans of traditional
Black radio. In addition to having the ability to play just like so many masters of the instrument,
he also plays his instrument in a revolutionary way with incredible speed. As an artist he is
creating a library of work that is making people take another look and listen to the bass. Many of
his compositions are filled with fast paced play and complex ideas. Victor’s technique is unsurpassed
and visually his performance is an experience for your eyes, to catch up to your ears. On March 20th
Victor and drummer JD Blair will perform, “Two Minds, One Groove Tour”, at the Variety Playhouse in
Atlanta’s Little Five Points. “Palmystery” released in April of ’08 is Victor’s latest studio offering.
It features Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Keb’ Mo and many others.
AtlantaJazz.Info was able to speak to Victor Wooten about
the Two Minds, One Groove Tour (the current tour), Palmystery (the current cd), SMV Tour (the tour with
Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller), The Music Lesson (the literary novel), Wooten Woods (the retreat/camp) and his music..
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
George Duke
George Duke is a force in music
who has carved his place in music history as a master of jazz, funk and more. His career has
spanned over forty years in which he has written, played and produced award winning music in R&B,
rock, fusion and Brazilian genres of music. On his latest CD “Dukey Treats” George re-visits his
funk roots
AtlantaJazz.Info was able to speak to George about the new CD, funk music, jazz music, the state of creative environments for young musicians and what other projects he has planned for the future.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Stanley Clarke
Stanley Clarke is an incredible
bassist with a plethora of recordings in his repertoire. He began is musical career in the
early 70s by moving to New York and playing among many jazz heavy hitters, from Art Blakey
to Stan Getz. He soon caught the attention of Chick Corea and joined the legendary Return
to Forever. It was during this time that Stanley Clarke honed his style and sound on the
electric bass.
In addition to his success with Return to Forever, Mr. Clarke would soon garner accolades
as a solo artist, producer and composer for several television and film scores.
To read more...
Written by Ginger Dee
Lenny White
Mr. White’s early musical
journey began with “jazz be bop” legend Jackie Mclean in the late ‘60s then in ’69 he
played with Miles on the historic “Bitches Brew.” In ’72 he began playing with
(Pete Escovedo’s) Azteca then in the same year began with RTF. After RTF split up in
‘77 Mr. White recorded two solo albums on the Nemperor label and was the leader on
several groups including The Astral Pirates and Twennynine. In ’90 Mr. White collaborated
with bassist Marcus Miller on a project called The J Boys. Lenny White has played with
many great jazz musicians including Jaco Pastorius, Joe Henderson, Gil Evans, Woody Shaw
and Stan Getz.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Nnenna Freelon
Nnenna Freelon is one of the
top jazz female vocalists performing today. She is a six time Grammy nominee who will be
the featured vocalist with the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Band which performs
at the Atlanta Symphony Hall on February eighth at the Woodruff Arts Center. The Band
members will be Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Moody on saxophone, Benny Green on
piano, Derrick Hodge on bass, Kendrick Scott on drums and Ms. Freelon on vocals. The stage
will be set to showcase the American classical music, jazz, featuring old and young masters
representing a fifty year tradition known as the Monterey Jazz Festival.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
Terence Blanchard
Terence Blanchard is a New Orleans native who began
playing the trumpet in elementary school. In high school he was trained by Ellis Marsalis and Roger Dickerson.
In college, his professor set up a touring gig with Lionel Hampton's band. Shortly there after, Wynton Marsalis
recommended Terence as his replacement in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. And as they say is show business, "the
rest is history"!!
AtlantaJazz.Info recently had the opportunity to speak with
the renowned trumpeter Terence Blanchard from his tour bus as the All-Stars headed to their next performance in
Modesto, CA. The Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Band and Tour is coming to Atlanta and we’re in for quite a treat!
To read more...
Written by Lateef Baaset
Christian McBride
Christian McBride has
established himself as one of the most sought after jazz bassists in the
world. This native Philadelphian has played with a variety of music legends
such as McCoy Tyner, Pat Metheny, Diana Krall and Sting. In addition to his
renowned work on other artists’ projects, he has been busy creating some of
the most exciting music in fusion jazz with his Christian McBride Band.
Incorporating traditional jazz with funk and hip hop influences this
virtuoso has secured his place in jazz history among the greats.
In anticipation of the
upcoming Pat Metheny performance at Georgia Tech’s Robert Ferst Center on
November 3rd, AtlantaJazz.Info
had an opportunity to speak with Christian McBride who will
be featured on bass along with drummer Antonio
Sanchez rounding out the trio.
To read more...
Written by "North Sea" Phil Roberts
