Sy Smith performing with Rhythm 4 U Band
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: September 1, 2022 10:16 AM to March 17, 2023 8:00 PM
Sy Smith has long since solidified her place in the world of underground soul music (she's often called "the hardest working woman in underground soul"). This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer helped cultivate the nu-soul scene in that city more than 10 years ago, a scene which now easily boasts some of the most progressive artists of that genre to date, some of whom came directly from Smith's own band line-ups (including Thundercat and Kamasi Washington). Her catalog includes 5 studio albums, with contributions from a who's who of producers (James Poyser of The Roots, Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest and Nicolay of The Foreign Exchange). All 5 of her albums, including her brand new project "Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete" have been heralded by critics around the world for Smith's lyrical dexterity, her vocal whimsy (often colored with a very distinctive rhythmic swing that's all her own) and her ability to spin a story like few others in soul music. Listeners often remark on Smith's vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a speakeasy, gritty alto all the way to a stratospheric soprano whistle register reminiscent of the late Minnie Riperton.
Smith's career began as a backing vocalist on some of the music industry's most coveted gigs. She has provided supporting vocals for Whitney Houston, Sheila E., Meshell Ndegeocello, Chaka Khan, Usher, Macy Gray and The Rickey Minor Band (as seen on American Idol for six seasons and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno). Most recently though, she's caught the ear of jazz aficionados as a featured guest with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti. Audiences around the world are often astounded to see Smith's voice and Botti's trumpet go note-for-note in playful competition on stage, and her performance of "The Look Of Love" on his Grammy-nominated DVD "Live In Boston" is an audience favorite. Jazz critics have also taken note of Smith's solo performances in her genre-bending presentations (e.g. "SySingsJanet!", her jazz-reworking of classic Janet Jackson songs), which include her often sitting in on piano, synth bass and manipulating her own vocal effects on with an on-stage processor.
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: September 1, 2022 10:30 AM to March 17, 2023 10:15 PM
Danielle Wertz- Album Release: Other Side
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: January 19, 2023 10:02 AM to March 21, 2023 8:00 PM
DANIELLE WERTZ
Danielle Wertz is an award-winning artist on the rise. Her compositions and arrangements weave together elements of jazz, folk and the use of her voice as an instrumental texture to create an intimate and personal musical world. Described as, "untarnished by the politics of music" (Jazz Music Archives) and "at home alongside more contemporary exponents of improvised singing" (LoudMouth, AU) Danielle has rapidly gained national acclaim.
After being named a 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition semi-finalist, Danielle independently released her debut album, Intertwined. This collaboration with pianist Tal Cohen was ranked #4 on Capital Bop's list of "Best DC Jazz Albums of 2017" and has continued to receive high praise since its release. That same year Danielle placed 2nd in the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, 3rd in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Vocal Competition, and co-led a concert with Lena Seikaly celebrating women in jazz at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
In addition to her solo career, Danielle is an avid collaborator. She has recently been featured on recording projects alongside Javier Santiago, Aaron Janik, Justin Rock, Ambrose Akinmusire, J. Hoard, Elena Pinderhughes, Braxton Cook, Nathan Bickart and Andrew Dixon. She has also had the privilege of performing with many renowned musicians in a professional, non-academic setting including Kate McGarry, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff Denson, Keith Ganz, Shelly Berg, Chris Botti, Michael Bowie, Mark G. Meadows and Chris Grasso.
An Evening with Soul-Jazz Flautist Althea Rene
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: November 29, 2022 11:47 AM to March 24, 2023 8:00 PM
"The Original Soul-Jazz Flautist" Althea Rene brings her unique branding of a typically classical instrument to our stage, and boy does she bring it!
Born on December 25th in Detroit, Michigan Althea René began her musical journey at the tender age of four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University.
Althea René gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown's original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her own creative style. Some regard her as a "master of her craft" and one of the world's most exciting solo improvisational flutists. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the "Maceo of the flute".
In May 2013, she released her hit CD entitled "In the Flow". Collaborating with Grammy award-winning producer Michael Broening, she co-wrote the title track that made history as the first flute featured single to be ranked "number one" on the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts. This scorching hot single topped the charts for several weeks.
With a passionate mission to mentor women in the entertainment industry, Althea René authored an autobiography entitled "Becoming Chocolate Barbie - a guide for professional women in the music business" in June 2018. The book was written in an interview format so that readers may easily use it as a reference resource. Women who aspire for a life in business can appreciate the insights she shares.
Her creative advocacy for woman's empowerment is evident in her eighth CD release; "Flawsome". The title of this powerful CD project is a newly coined expression that describes something that is extraordinary because of its imperfections. The project features an iconic lineup of guest artists like Maysa, Dwight Adams, Jeanette Harris, Euge Groove, and Gerald Albright.
Althea René gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown's original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her own creative style. Some regard her as a "master of her craft" and one of the world's most exciting solo improvisational flautists. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the "Maceo of the flute".
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: November 29, 2022 11:52 AM to March 24, 2023 10:15 PM
An Evening with Two-time Grammy Nominated Musician Christian Sands and The High Wire Trio
CHRISTIAN SANDS
Christian Sands' third recording for Mack Avenue Music Group captures and establishes him as a forceful leader in composition and conceptual vision. With Be Water (available May 22 worldwide), the music is akin to the element which has no form of its own, taking on the structure of whatever musical composition and performance in which it finds itself and is a universal necessity. For this recording, Sands has reunited with bassist Yasushi Nakamura and saxophonist Marcus Strickland, and is joined by trumpeter Sean Jones, trombonist Steve Davis, guitarist Marvin Sewell, and drummer Clarence Penn.
On his stunning new album, Be Water, pianist Christian Sands takes inspiration from water's tranquility and power and muses on the possibilities offered by echoing its fluidity and malleability. Through ten gorgeous and thrilling pieces, Sands alternately conjures the serenity of a sun-dappled lake and the drama of a relentless thunderstorm. Just embarking on his 30s, Sands has already enjoyed a remarkable career trajectory, touring and recording with Christian McBride's Inside Straight and Trio, as well as collaborating with the likes of Gregory Porter and Ulysses Owens.
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: November 25, 2022 8:54 AM to March 25, 2023 10:15 PM
A night with eight-time Grammy-nominated artist Gerald Albright
Craft Cocktails and small plates begin at 5:00pm.
This is a show you won't want to miss... Gerald Albright, an 8-time Grammy-nominated musician, will be gracing the Middle C Jazz stage for a night full of smooth jazz.
Gerald Albright
Gerald Albright, born and raised in Los Angeles, was an accomplished saxophonist well before he enrolled into Redlands University. Months after graduation he joined jazz pianist/ R&B singer Patrice Rushen and took the place of the bass player and finished up the tour with her playing both the saxophone and bass. He then became the consummate session and touring musician in the 1980's, working alongside artists from Anita Baker, Ray Parker JR., The Temptations and Maurice White to Les McCann, and Whitney Houston.
Albright then launched his solo career in the infancy of what became the smooth jazz format. He has become a core part of the genre with chart-topping albums, countless radio hits and as a member of many all-star tours. In the later 1990's he fronted a big band and toured with Phil Collins. Between his last two Grammy nominations for his solo albums, he enjoyed his collaboration on two huge hits, 24/7 with guitarist Norman Brown and Summer Horns by Dave Koz and Friends, which were also nominated for Grammy's in the category of Best Pop Instrumental Albums.
"Whether in concert, listening to my music over the radio or CD player, I always want my listeners to be taken on a musical journey with different textures, rhythms, chord progressions and moods. I want people to know where I've been and where I'm going, and to let them hear that I'm in a really good place in my life." – Gerald Albright
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geraldalbrightmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GAAlbright
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geraldalbright/
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: December 9, 2022 8:00 AM to March 26, 2023 9:15 PM
Johnny Britt "Marvin Meets Miles" and more, "After We Play" Release Party Tour
Trumpeter, Singer, Producer, Songwriter and Band Leader Johnny Britt sings a la Marvin Gaye and plays trumpet a la Miles Davis. Inspired by these two giants Britt released a concept CD called "Marvin Meets Miles". Britt arranged and produced 8 Marvin Gaye classics along with his own original title track "Marvin Meets Miles". With a touch of Miles Davis in this inspired work Britt has been performing his dynamic show throughout the USA, Mexico and in the UK.
JOHNNY BRITT
Johnny Britt's musical journey began in Cleveland, Ohio. Britt picked up the trumpet at age 12 and excelled rapidly. In junior high school he would become friends and start a band with the then drummer Arsenio Hall. Britt had a once in a lifetime opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France where he studied at the prestigious Conservatoire de Versailles under the trumpet tutelage of Roger Dellmotte premier trumpeter for the Paris Opera. Britt is also fluent in French.
After studying in Paris, France Britt would return to the states to continue his studies in Chicago where he was discovered and hired by Otis Williams to become the youngest ever musical director for The Temptations. That would lead to Britt becoming the co music producer for the Emmy Award Winning The Temptations TV miniseries. Moving to Los Angeles Britt founded his group Impromp2 and was signed to Motown/ MoJazz Records and in 1995 released the groups debut CD "Your Gonna Love It". Britt would go on to record 3 more CD's with the group before deciding to pursue his dreams of becoming a soloist. Britt has recorded to date 4 studio solo CD's on J-Jams Records Marvin Meets Miles, Christmas Time Of The Year, So Hot and MoJazzin'.
Britt has written three #1 Hit Singles for Boney James and has written for many other artist. He was the on camera trumpet soloist in the Oscar Nominated La La Land starring Meg Ryan and Ryan Gosslin. He was also the trumpet soloist for the Oscar Nominated Hidden Figures. Britt is an honorary member of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as the first tenor of Little Anthony and The Imperials.
Jackiem Joyner
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: October 20, 2022 1:21 PM to March 31, 2023 8:00 PM
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 books to 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.
"I don't care how hard things get, it'll never stop me from doing what I love. Playing the sax, writing music and stories, and performing live."
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.
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: October 20, 2022 1:27 PM to March 31, 2023 10:15 PM
An Evening with Two-time Grammy Nominated Artist Maysa Leak
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: December 5, 2022 2:06 PM to April 7, 2023 8:00 PM
MAYSA LEAK
Maysa is the kind of singer who takes hold of a song and enraptures her audience in the palm of her hands, as she delivers lyrics, phrases, melodies and harmonies in a way that only she can. Blessed with an instantly identifiable honey-toned mezzo-soprano and an undeniably brilliant and magnetic stage presence, Maysa's alluring vocals, candor, honesty, humor and purity as an artist make her a rarity in this business. Having collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Incognito, Angela Bofill, Will Downing and Jonathan Butler, Phil Perry and more...Maysa can hang with the best. It is no wonder she was the recipient of many awards for her work, including Soul Train's first Centric Award in 2009, and her first Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her remake of Nancy Wilson's
"QUIET FIRE" in 2014.
The Baltimore native, who grew up in a loving household with amazing parents, is proudly the mom of one son, Jazz, who was born prematurely at 25 weeks while she was on tour with Incognito in 1999.
Jazz is now in college studying Photography and Music Production.
In 2018, Maysa became the owner/founder of her own record label, BLUE VELVET SOUL RECORDS.
The company has released 4 singles, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT, LOVIN' YOU IS EASY, and SOFT WORDS.
To celebrate her first record printing, MAYSA designed a commemorative blue velvet box set with those 4 singles as an EP called THE FAB FIRST FOUR, in January of 2021.
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: December 5, 2022 2:04 PM to April 8, 2023 10:15 PM
Colby Dobbs and Friends Perform A Tribute to Michael McDonald & The Doobie Brothers
GENERAL ADMISSION / BABY GRAND MEMBER TICKETS Public Onsale: December 20, 2022 10:36 AM to April 13, 2023 8:00 PM
Colby and the band will be performing hits and various musical selections by Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers.
COLBY DOBBS
Colby Dobbs is a singer/songwriter hailing from the Charlotte area. Growing up, Colby listened to a wide variety of artists from an older era of music. Being inspired by the sounds of Motown, yacht rock, and fusion, Colby graduated high school and taught himself how to play piano by learning songs by his favorite artists. After a few years of working odd jobs to make ends meet as a supplement to being a part-time performer, he finally made the jump into being a career musician where he's worked ever since as a freelancer, and also with his original projects - Colby Dobbs Band (since 2009), as well "Lawn Friends," formed with fellow Charlotte musician Mike Ramsey at the beginning of the pandemic.
Colby is married to his wonderful wife Chelsea, and when he isn't playing music, he spends his time as an avid Charlotte Hornets/Carolina Panthers fan, as well as a poker enthusiast.