Pianist Danny Green Performance Schedule

July 10 - Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar at the Sheraton (Carlsbad)
Jazz Brunch Performance from 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Featuring Rob Thorsen (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

July 20 - Clairemont Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

July 26 - North University Community Branch Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

August 18 - Oceanside Museum of Art
333's Jazz at the Museum - 7:00 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass), Julien Cantelm, plus special guest TBA.

September 10 - The Jazz88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival
My quartet will be playing two sets at different locations. More info TBA.

Solo Piano Performances:

I will be performing at the Marine Room in La Jolla on various Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 P.M. throughout the summer. As of now, these are the dates I will be there:
June 18 & 24
July 15, 22 & 29

The Wahya Consort Premieres “Mingus and Beyond” at The Ojai Arts Center

Creative and Improvised Jazz Supports

The Humane Society of Ventura County

An exciting day of jazz events includes The Wahya Consort making their debut with a premiere of, "Mingus and Beyond," on Sunday June 12, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ojai Arts Center located at 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai.

The Wahya Consort includes vocalist Ellen Johnson, pianist Bevan Manson, percussionist Brad Dutz and bassist Rick Shaw performing music of Charles Mingus, original compositions and lyrics, and free improvised music.

The Consort, in support of the Ojai Music Festival occurring the same day featuring composer and conductor Maria Schneider's 18-piece big band and soprano, Dawn Upshaw, is providing a discount for their concert to anyone attending the festival.

The name "Wahya," Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature through their musical compositions that focus on original, creative and improvised music with elements of jazz, classical, and world music.

The Consort will be donating the proceeds of their ticket sales to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Single tickets for the Wahya Consort are $15.00 for regular admission and $7.00 with an Ojai Music Festival pass. To reserve or purchase single tickets for the Wahya Consort performance call 805-272-8125 or go to info (at) JazzInOjai.com. To purchase Ojai Music Festival passes and receive a discount on the Wahya Consort concert, go to www.OjaiFestival.org. For more information go to www.JazzInOjai.com or Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/3cswdfb

About The Wahya Consort Musicians:

The Wahya Consort is a group of seasoned musicians stretching the boundaries of jazz, classical and improvised music. The name “Wahya,” (pronounced way – ya) Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature that inspires the music they create. Together they contribute their talents through the instrumentation of vocals, percussion, piano, bass and occasional special guest artists. Whether they are collaborating on inventive improvisations, renditions of jazz classics or creating original compositions and lyrics, the Wahya Consort brings a conscious dimension to group performance. The members of the group include: Brad Dutz, Ellen Johnson, Bevan Manson, and Rick Shaw.

We're Back!

We've been on a little hiatus in the past few months.
Sorry if you missed hearing from us.

Our new direction is not only promoting artists through our services but with some new media concepts in collaboration with others.

We are also going to be opening up our blog to reviews of CDs, live performances, videos, books and more!

Thanks for checking in with us and we hope to bring you information about some great artists projects and events.

If Time Stood Still Review from All About Jazz

By Jerry D'Souza Read entire review here: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=37638

Norman Johnson was in high school in Jamaica when he heard George Benson and became interested in the guitar. He says that he was mesmerized by Benson, and though he figured that he was too old at 16 to begin playing an instrument he went ahead. Later studying at the Hartt School of Music with Jackie McLean and Brian Keane, his influences grew to include Wes Montgomery, Earl Klugh, and Andres Segovia. Segovia fostered his love for classical music and, along with Klugh, the nylon-string guitar.

Johnson is comfortable in several styles. He realizes them through different lineups, with the underlying factor being his enunciation. He is a clean and nimble player who imbues a lyrical sonority to his textures.

Johnson balances themes and tempos well enough through his playing and arrangements. It certainly augurs well for the future which, hopefully, will produce more fine music.

For more about Norman Johnson go to: http://www.NormanJohnsonGuitar.com

Jazz Station - Vocal CD of the Month - "Dancing with Johnny"

Jazz Station
Arnaldo DeSouteiro

Vocal CD of the Month Linda Ciofalo: "Dancing with Johnny" (Lucky Jazz) 2010

Rating: *****
A very pleasant surprise, full of surprises thanks to the creative arrangements (by pianist John DiMartino and Linda herself) and, of course, the lovely vocal & instrumental performances.
On this self-produced release, Ciofalo is backed by Grammy winner - and a current member of the CTI All Stars 2010 Band - Brian Lynch on trumpet, John DiMartino (piano), John Benitez (bass), Ernesto Simpson (drums), Little Johnny Rivero (percussion), Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar), Chieli Minucci (electric guitar) and Joel Frahm (tenor & soprano saxophones).

A Johnny Mercer Songbook -- showcasing the lyricist's genius with such diverse partners as Victor Schertzinger, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Henry Mancini, Robert Emmett Dolan, Gordon Jenkins, Ralph Burns, Woody Herman & Rube Bloom -- couldn't go wrong in terms of repertoire, but what makes this CD really so special is the fresh appeal of each & every track, with Linda Ciofalo's bell-clear beautiful voice shining throughout the 52-minute program of 13 tunes, all recorded in a single session, on October 20, 2009 in NY.

My personal favorite tracks are the exciting latin-tinged scores of "Tangerine" (on which the intoxicating percussion work of Little Johnny Rivero, combining congas & timbales, sounds like a meeting of Mongo Santamaria with Tito Puente) and "That Old Black Magic," both also featuring Lynch (undoubtedly one of the Top 5 trumpeters in the contemporary jazz scene) and Frahm.

But there are many other highlights, such as the Diana Krall-like sensual approach to "Talk To Me Baby" (done as a slow bossa nova, with Paul Meyers, a veteran of Thiago de Mello's Amazon band, playing acoustic guitar a la Joao Gilberto) and the up-tempo bossa take of "Day In, Day Out," again embellished by Meyers' syncopated guitar beat.

The magnificent "Early Autumn" becomes a quasi-bolero, "Skylark" receives a bluesy feel with Minucci evoking memories of the late Eric Gale, and "P.S. I Love You" (a song that Diana Krall has been singing on her current "Quiet Nights" tour and plans to record on her next album) appears here with Rivero adding bongos to add a soft latin spice to this sumptuous Gordon Jenkins ballad. Pure delight!
For additional infos and pics, please check: http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2010/06/linda-ciofalos-new-cd-tribute-to-johnny.html

POET E. J. ANTONIO DEBUTS CD featuring Christian McBride

Poet E.J. Antonio envisioned her debut CD, Rituals in the marrow: Recipe for a jam session, as an “in-the-moment jam session.” This recording is a unique blend of spoken words that dance with the sonic diversity of instruments as they wind their way through the genres of jazz, blues, gospel, r&b, and Afro-Latin rhythms. “I often go to live jazz performances,” spoke Antonio, “and write down the images that come to me from listening to the music and watching the musicians’ physical reactions to the music. These genres of music and this gift of words have influenced me my entire life. My bones have absorbed these sounds, move to these sounds, and rest in these sounds.” Blues, jazz, r&b and pop music were staples of Antonio’s life growing up in Spanish Harlem. So was her fascination for words and gospel influences that were a direct result of watching her grandmother Lucille, a Pastor of Gospel Temple Church of Christ, work on and preach her sermons.

The musicians on this project were chosen because of their creative improvisational skills and extraordinary ability to “listen” to each other. Antonio’s concept was to keep an element of surprise and risk, so all the tracks are live collaborations with no rehearsals. On the first track, renowned jazz artist Christian McBride along with Christopher Dean Sullivan (acoustic bass), Saco Yasuma (bamboo sax), and Joe Giardullo (reeds) resonate together to form the tension egg of sound necessary to make the birthing of the poem “foreign monkey” possible. Trumpet player Eddie Allen becomes the foil in “bluesman/truth be told,” while Tyehimba Jess on harmonica is the “in-your-face” gospel sound bolstering the voice in “Pullman porter.” “Sound rhythium” musician Michael T.A. Thompson (drums) and Joe Giardullo (flute) are complimented by Sullivan who uses his acoustic bass as a percussion instrument bringing home the Afro-Latin sound in the danceable “ballad mambo.” Track number eight was inspired by the music of June Kuramoto and the sounds of the koto instrument. The bamboo sax of Saco Yasuma with the French horn treatment by Mark Taylor add the perfect touch of serenity and introspective to “koto suite.” Every track, with words that drip like honey from Antonio’s mouth, is clearly live improvisation at its best.

E.J. Antonio is a 2009 fellow in Poetry from the New York Foundation for the Arts and a recipient of fellowships from the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Cave Canem Foundation. She has appeared as a featured reader at several venues in the NY tri-state area, such as Cornelia Street Café, the Bronx Council on the Arts First Wednesday reading series, the Calypso Muse Reading Series, the Hudson Valley Writers Center, the Harvard Club, WBAI’s broadcast Perspectives, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, the Bahai Center, Hunter Mountain Arts Festival, the Bowery Poetry Club, the Port Chester Art Fest 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Home Base Project, the York Arts Center, the Latimer House Museum, and the Howl Festival.
Her work appears online at www.thedrunkenboat.com, poetz.com, and roguescholars.com, and has been published in various Journals and magazines; including, African Voices Literary Magazine, Amistad Literary Journal, Terra Incognita, Black Renaissance/Renaissance Noire, Mobius: The Poetry Magazine, The Mom Egg Literary Journal, One Word/Many Voices: A Bi-Lingual Poetry Anthology, and Torch. Her work is forthcoming in The Encyclopedia Project. The Premier Poets Chapbook Series published her first chapbook, Every Child Knows, in the Fall of 2007, and she is one of the featured poets on the CD, Beauty Keeps Laying It’s Sharp Knife Against Me: Brant Lyon and Friends.

“I use my work to bring attention to the commonalities we share as human beings, and to shed a light on the idea that there needs to be a place for a different kind of spoken word; that the collaboration of music and poetry is still a viable art form. Some call this jazzoetry, others call it pojazz, and others call it poemusic or spoken word. Whatever the title, it is clearly not just jazz or poetry, but something that resonates in the heart, something that causes a person to slow down and listen.”

and now, somebody
will sing you a praise song
a revival song
a song
buoyant / full of the blues and the jazz and the hymn
of struggle fraught from one continent to another and back
to the beginning
where the ocean carves
skeletons to gauze / unraveling
it sings
praises to your dead
while you push
on and on and on and on and on...
writing new choruses to Amazing Grace
how sweet the sound…
we sing
sing
sing
(from “pullman porter” by E.J. Antonio)

For more information go to, www.EjAntonioBluez.net.

If Time Stood Still Debut From Guitarist Norman Johnson Releases August 10, 2010

"Time Stands Still" For Guitarist Norman Johnson's Distinctive Debut Contemporary Jazz CD Release

READ ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/jazz/guitar/prweb4281054.htm

Ojai, CA (PRWEB) July 26, 2010 If Time Stood Still, called "an album with a sumptuous groove. . . with a style in the best traditions of Wes Montgomery and George Benson," is the debut solo release from guitarist Norman Johnson slated to be released August, 10, 2010 on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. From enjoyable rhythmic concepts to the mysterious, sultry melodies that frame Johnson's distinctive sound, this recording integrates the best of contemporary and traditional jazz. With over twenty recordings as a sideman, playing with highly respected musicians (Dave Brubeck, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Mays, Harvie S., Phil Wilson and Steve Gadd) along with composing and recording music for corporate clients, this release puts Norman Johnson in the spotlight he truly deserves.

If Time Stood Still is well worth the wait with exceptional original songs that incorporate Latin and contemporary jazz grooves and a special arrangement of the Pat Metheny cover tune, "Always and Forever. "There are five different types of guitars used on this recording, a string quartet on the title cut, and a wide range of instruments that include, Tyler VanOstrand (bass), Ken Fischer (piano), Chris Herbert (sax and flute), Steve Davis (trombone), Josh Bruneau (trumpet), including drummers, Bob Forte, Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, Chris Lemp drums and percussionists, Martin Obeng, Greg Allan and Eric Galm."The songs and arrangements allow each musician to create interesting parts and improvise," commented Johnson. "I would like people to hear this recording for what I intended it to be, good songs played by fine musicians, accessible to everyone whether you love jazz or not."

Fingerprints, Dream Life CD, Review from The Smooth Jazz Ride

Fingerprints New Release,
Dream Life - Review:

Ronald Jackson
TheSmoothJazzRide.com


Dream Life, the fifth release from this very competent contemporary jazz band, Fingerprints, seems to cover more turf than just contemporary jazz as it shows off a fine blend of genres and styles ranging from old school soul to a Brazilian touch.

Read the entire review at: http://www.thesmoothjazzride.com/Fingerprints.html

Bradley Leighton - Soul Collective Review

SmoothJazzVibes.com
By Ronald Jackson

Flutist Bradley Leighton has covered a lot of turf in his career as far as citing musical influences is concerned. He’s covered Charlie Parker and even rolled through a little Tower of Power. Here on his 2008 release, Soul Collective, the flutist seems to travel back to his Back to the Funk release as he unleashes some coolly rhythmic and oft funky material on us.
The album runs the gamut for groovable tracks. The opening cut, “It’s On,” has a really nice hook and decidedly smooth yet funky feel while “Café Con Leche” has that appealingly rhythmic and exotic Latin touch. Funk takes center stage with “Wake Up Call” and its sassy swagger. Covers like “She’s Gone,” “Ode to Billy Joe,” and “Keep That Same Ol’ Feeling” are dealt with adeptly and with precision. Vocalist Paula Prophet, who is expected to release her debut sometime this year, offers her “That Man,” which has that early Motown/Martha Reeves kinda groove, and it works…well.

With guest help from Greg Adams, Tom Braxton, Jason Miles, Evan Marks, and Tom Scott, this project came gift-wrapped and set to please. It’s quite obvious that the stellar gathering prompted the album’s name and character.

It’s amazing what the flute has been able to offer in the world of jazz. From Laws to Najee to Zonjic to Leighton and many more, we have come to experience the texture and sweetness that the instrument adds to the genre. Soul Collective speaks to just how fortunate we are to have that experience.

The History Of Jazz Fusion on MOJA Radio to Celebrate the 4th of July!

Lots of great things happening at MOJA Radio and one that caught our attention was, The History Of Fusion!

www.mojaradio.com

This coming Sunday is our great American Holiday The 4th of July and on MOJA Radio they will be celebrating with an exclusive 4-hour special “THE HISTORY OF JAZZ FUSION!”

From 3-7 PM Eastern time (Noon-4 PM Pacific) you’ll hear all four hours of The History of Fusion, Part One, The Birth of Fusion, Part Two, The Super-Groups of Fusion, Part Three, The Solo Stars of Fusion, and Part Four, Fusion –the Second Decade.

So listen this Sunday, The 4th of July for “THE HISTORY OF JAZZ FUSION,” only from MOJA Radio!

Norman Johnson, Pacific Coast Jazz Artist, Releases Debut CD “If Time Stood Still”

Slated for Street Date of August 10, 2010

San Diego, CA – June 15, 2010 – If Time Stood Still, the debut solo release from guitarist Norman Johnson on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, is an exquisite expression of music that has been waiting to happen. From sonic grooves reminiscent of Wes Montgomery and George Benson to the mysterious, sultry melodies that frame Johnson’s distinctive sound, this recording integrates the best of contemporary and traditional jazz. With over twenty recordings as a sideman, playing with highly respected musicians (Dave Brubeck, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Mays, Harvie S., Phil Wilson and Steve Gadd) along with composing and recording music for corporate clients, this release puts Norman Johnson in the spotlight he truly deserves.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to represent the debut CD, If Time Stood Still, from such a talented and experienced artist,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. “This CD is way overdue for Norman who is a high caliber musician and composer.” Nichols’ label has teamed up with publicist Joy Foster of SV Media and radio promoter Adam Leibovitz at ASL Music Media for access to international media buying and radio promotion.

If Time Stood Still is well worth the wait with exceptional original songs that incorporate Latin and contemporary jazz grooves and a special arrangement of the Pat Metheny cover tune, “Always and Forever. “There are five different types of guitars used on this recording, a string quartet on the title cut and a wide range of instruments that include, Tyler VanOstrand (bass), Ken Fischer (piano), Chris Herbert (sax and flute), Steve Davis (trombone), Josh Bruneau (trumpet), including drummers, Bob Forte, Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, Chris Lemp drums and percussionists, Martin Obeng, Greg Allan and Eric Galm.“The songs and arrangements allow each musician to create interesting parts and improvise,” commented Johnson. “I would like people to hear this recording for what I intended it to be, good songs played by fine musicians, accessible to everyone whether you love jazz or not.“ For more information and interviews with Norman Johnson, visit www.NormanJohnsonGuitar.com or contact Joy Foster at SVMedia@svmediarelations.com or 310-487-0048.


Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is an independent jazz label that also offers artist management services. All PCJ artists are distributed worldwide by MVD Audio/Big Daddy Music. For information on Pacific Coast Jazz, visit: www.pacificcoastjazz.com.

Linda Ciofalo’s West Coast Tour Features Her CD Tribute To Johnny Mercer, Dancing With Johnny

(New York, NY June 22, 2010) –Linda Ciofalo makes her West Coast tour to sing selections from her latest CD, Dancing With Johnny. Ciofalo understands how to deliver a great lyric and on Dancing With Johnny, a special tribute to Johnny Mercer, she shines. Since Mercer is known for his endless brilliance as a first class writer of over 1,000 songs, Ciofalo is breath taking in her element. The songs showcase her tasteful vocal style and Ciofalo allows the strength of the material to serve as the musical foundation upon which her strong, yet distinct vocals sit comfortably as the centerpiece of this timeless collection of standards. But what makes this recording even more rewarding is that all of the compositions have a Latin twist that spark the desire to move to each memorizing Mercer lyric. Deep rooted in the South, Mercer’s award winning songs paint exquisite images of nature, romance, haunting memories and love. “Johnny Mercer’s lyrics dance on a singer’s lips,” said Ciofalo. “His words are intoxicating and a sheer pleasure to sing.”

Dancing With Johnny also features Grammy winner Brian Lynch (trumpet) and stellar musicians such as John DiMartino (piano), John Benitez (bass), Ernesto Simpson (drums), Little Johnny Rivero (percussion), Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar), Chieli Minucci (electric guitar and effects) and Joel Frahm (saxophones). The Mercer material is a welcome addition to Ciofalo's repertoire, which ranges from such diverse sources as bluesman John Lee Hooker to Broadway’s Rodgers and Hammerstein. What a bold statement to her versatility that her voice can be both hard-hitting and gutsy or lend itself to pure romance. Andrea Canter of JazzPolice.com writes, "Her vibrant swing can turn gloom into joy; her storyteller’s passion recounts love lost and found; her voice moves easily from sultry to salty to sassy.”

Stops on her West Coast tour include Tula’s in Seattle (June 25), Jazzvox Concert with Randy Halberstadt in Camano Island, WA (June 27), Rasselas Jazz Club with the David Udolf Trio in San Francisco (June 29) and on July 1st at the Crowne Plaza in the Brasserie Jazz Lounge where Linda will be joined by some of Los Angeles's premier musicians, Otmaro Ruiz (piano), John Belzaguy (bass) and Jimmy Branly (drums).

Linda’s love for Mercer songs started early on when she had to learn songs for a big band and after being introduced to the famous Mercer hit “Skylark” she was swept away because of the beauty of the lyrics. “Singers have a special gift,” said Ciofalo in a recent interview “because we get to use words along with the music. In fact, it’s our job to deliver those lyrics with emotion and sincerity.” Linda has been devoted to Mercer’s music doing programs for many years that feature the great artist’s lyrics and music. She was hoping to release this CD on his centennial but just missed it by one year. Commented Ciofalo,“It was my intent to tribute Johnny Mercer with a recording which is both romantic and moving. We hope it will make your heart feel like dancing” For more information go to, www.LindaCiofalo.com

Bradley Leighton Interview on The Jazz Intersection

Listen to Bradley Leighton's Interview
on The Jazz Intersection
with James Harber.

www.TheJazzIntersection.org

Check out the "Music For Life Tour" at www.BradleyLeighton.com

Interview with Tom Braxton on The Jazz Intersection

Listen to Tom Braxton's interview with James Harbor on The Jazz Intersection.

Braxton's single release, "Open Road" from Endless Highway CD official radio play date.


http://www.thejazzintersection.com

Tom Braxton "Open Road" Single Hits Radio May 31st

"Open Road" The summer single from the CD Endless Highway


"The album draws attention to Braxton's mellifluous tonality and easy flowing narrations as he displays multiple tiers to his talent as a composer, producer and arranger . . . When Braxton puts himself into his music he does so with everything he has. His jovial mood in the tracks pumps positive vibes into the listener's ears and puts one in a very bright state of being . . . Endless Highway radiates happiness in every track." - JazzTimes

"Open Road" is the perfect summer release for your vacation road trip or family get-a-way. And while you're listening you may even catch a concert as Tom Braxton hits the "open road" to perform at various venues around the country.

"Open Road" is one of the tracks from his latest release "Endless Highway" on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. Joined by an outstanding array of musicians, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove-oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long.

Braxton has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Miller, Wayman Tisdale, Luther Vandross and Phillip Bailey. He has opened concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Najee, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, Spyro Gyra, The Rippingtons, David Benoit, Pieces of a Dream, Michael Franks and The Crusaders. Braxton has been featured in media and publications such as JAZZIZ, Smooth Jazz News, CBS's The Saturday Early Show, BET's Jazz Central, TBS, TNT, ESPN, CNN, NBC's Inside Stuff and others. He recently made his first European tour in the Netherlands as an "Ambassador of Jazz" sponsored by Smooth Jazz Europe.



CURRENT PERFORMANCE DATES:
June 6 - Capital Jazz Festival - Columbia, MD
June 20 - Catalina Bar & Grill (with Keiko Matsui) - Hollywood, CA
June 22 - Wilson Creek Winery - Temecula, CA
July 7 - KJZS 92.1 FM Live Jazz Night - Orozko Lounge - Reno, NV
July 8 - Harlow's - Sacramento, CA
July 15 - Close Up 2 - Chicago, IL
Aug 21 - Spaghettini's - Seal Beach, CA
Aug 28 - Smooth Jazz at South Shore - Michigan City, IN
Sept. 25 - Smooth Contemporary Jazz Festival - Hengelo, The Netherlands
Oct. 29 - American Smooth Jazz Awards, Michigan City, IN
Jan 16-30 - The Smooth Jazz Cruise (2 weeks) - Caribbean

Bradley Leighton Adds More Cities to His "Music For Life" Tour

“You may have never heard the flute played like this until you’ve heard Bradley Leighton,” wrote Susan Frances of JazzReview.com. “He turns the flute into whatever instrument he wants it to be.”

A remarkable performer, Bradley Leighton kicks off his summer “Music For Life” tour schedule on June 5th at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Oceanside, CA and continues on bringing his fire and flair as one of the featured artists at the Carlyle Club for the Pacific Coast Jazz label’s All Stars Concert on June 11th. The event hosts a hot line up of musicians that include: Art Sherrod Jr, Ronny Smith, Al Williams III and a special guest appearance by Washington D.C. recording artists, Saltman Knowles. With all of these talented, swinging and funky musicians on one stage it is a guaranteed good time for all.

Then on June 13th Leighton is the featured artist at the Takoma Park Jazz Festival along with five-time Downbeat Best New Artist winner, Jeremy Pelt and the D.C. All-Stars, led by Chuck Redd. For the first time this year, the Takoma Park Jazz Festival will present a free master class with Pelt, Leighton and Redd on their respective instruments. As a Yamaha Performing Artist and flute coach, Bradley is known for his dedication to education in the arts and has developed his own workshop program, “Music For Life,” that inspires all ages to embrace the study of improvisation.

Other stops along the way are listed below. For more information about the “Music For Life Tour” go to, http://www.BradleyLeighton.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.


“Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:

June 5 – 7:30 p.m. Sunshine Brooks Theatre, Oceanside, CA, http://www.sunshinebrookstheatre.com
June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com
June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html
June 17 -7:30 p.m. The Greenwich, Cincinnati, OH www.the-greenwich.com
June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com
June 20 -7:00 p.m. Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com
June 22 - 7:30 p.m. Benny’s Pizza, Marysville, OH
June 23 - 7:00 p.m. Cosmopolitan Bar, Des Moines, IA
June 25 - 11:30 a.m. Ames Summer Festival, Ames, IA
June 25 - 7:00 p.m. Java Joe’s, Des Moines, IA
June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/
July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/
August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/
September 25 - 11:30 am. Smooth Jazz & High Desert, Adelanto, CA.

Bradley Leighton Brings Fire and Flair on his Music For Life Tour

(Ojai, CA April 26, 2010) – “You may have never heard the flute played like this until you’ve heard Bradley Leighton,” wrote Susan Frances of JazzReview.com. “He turns the flute into whatever instrument he wants it to be.”

A remarkable performer, Bradley Leighton kicks off his summer “Music For Life” tour schedule with fire and flair by being one of the featured artists at the Carlyle Club for the Pacific Coast Jazz label’s All Stars Concert on June 11th. The event hosts a hot line up of musicians that include: Art Sherrod Jr, Ronny Smith, Al Williams III and a special guest appearance by Washington D.C. recording artists, Saltman Knowles. With all of these talented, swinging and funky musicians on one stage it is a guaranteed good time for all. Then on June 13th Leighton is the featured artist at the Takoma Park Jazz Festival along with five-time Downbeat Best New Artist winner, Jeremy Pelt and the D.C. All-Stars, led by Chuck Redd. For the first time this year, the Takoma Park Jazz Festival will present a free master class with Pelt, Leighton and Redd on their respective instruments.

As a Yamaha Performing Artist and flute coach, Bradley is known for his dedication to education in the arts and has developed his own workshop program, “Music For Life,” that inspires all ages to embrace the study of improvisation. Other stops along the way on the tour include the Museum of African American History in Detroit, Wilbert’s Music in Cleveland, the Omaha Summer Arts Festival in Omaha, the Coronado Library in California and the final stop on August 7th at the Gulf Coast Ethnic and Heritage Festival in Mobile, AL. For more information about the “Music For Life Tour” go to, http://www.BradleyLeighton.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

“Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:

June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com
June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html
June 17 - 6:00 p.m. The Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI, http://www.maah-detroit.org/
June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com/
June 20 -7:00 p.m. Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com/
June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/
July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/
August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/

About Bradley Leighton
Bradley Leighton has a unique and powerful sound bringing a fire and flair not usually heard nor expected from a flutist. Jim Santella of the LA Jazz Scene wrote, “he exhibits the musical virtuosity that has carried his career around the world.” His style of swing evolved from listening to the big, hi-octane bands of Kenton, Herman and Ferguson in the 60's-70's while his funkiness derives from years of listening to Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Brecker Brothers and countless other soul/R&B acts. With four highly respected recordings under the Pacific Coast Jazz label and numerous features on other artist’s CDs, Bradley has established himself as one of the worlds premier flute players.

His recording projects Just Doin’ Our Thang (2005,) Back To The Funk (2006) and his most recent CD, Soul Collective (2009,) were nominated “Best Jazz Album of the Year” by the San Diego Music Awards Academy and continue to receive national radio airplay and promotion. Bradley has performed across the US and internationally as both sideman and bandleader for over twenty-five years. Leighton has opened for the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival (featuring artists Joyce Cooling and Gerald Albright) and has headlined for the Gainesville Jazz Festival, Tacoma Wine and Jazz Festival, Rancho Mirage Art Affaire. He continuously performs at recognized clubs like Brooklyn Jazz Café in Dallas, Scat Jazz Lounge in Houston, Humphrey’s, Anthology and Dizzy’s in San Diego along with a multitude of clubs and festivals across the United States. This summer he’ll be performing at the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, the Takoma Park, MD Jazz Festival, Wilbert’s in Cleveland, the Museum of African American History in Detroit and The Carlyle Club in Virginia as part of his “Music For Life Tour.”

A Yamaha Performing Artist since January 2006, Leighton is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of music as a clinician and educator. Besides teaching private lessons and being a flute coach at the Music Magnet School, Oak Park Elementary in San Diego, Bradley leads workshops and clinics for musicians of all skill levels, including, "Jazz Improvisation for the Classically Trained Flutist," and "Music For Life - Improvisation for the Adult Amateur Musician.” Bradley is a member of the Board of the San Diego Flute Guild and a participating member of the National Flute Association as well as the leader of the Rancho Penasquitos Flute Choir and the Penasquitos Jazz Flute Choir. He also devotes his time to performing for a number of philanthropic organizations in San Diego.

For more information: www.BradleyLeighton.com or www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

All About Jazz Grand Opening Specialty Store

AllAboutJazz has partnered with Mosaic Records to launch a Jazz specialty store: shop.allaboutjazz.com.

While you have choices about where to purchase music, we do hope that you support sites that specialize in jazz. AAJ intends to earn your support at Shop.AllAboutJazz through their dedication and service to Jazz fans.

They have combed through the tens of thousands of jazz products and have picked the best available material focused on jazz. While they do have much on the site to choose from, they will be adding different labels, musicians and various products as the site evolves.

They intend to send regular updates on new product offerings, sales and other opportunities from their store, and will also highlight activities at the AllAboutJazz.com including download of the day, featured interviews and other Jazz related news.

We support and send them our congratulations!

Eclectic Jazz Quintet, The Outer Bridge Ensemble, Make Their Washington D.C. Debut At Blues Alley On March 29th

In these days of contrived and over commercialized music it’s refreshing to discover a group like The Outer Bridge Ensemble.

Known as eclectic modern creative jazz that grooves with a soulful attitude, the Outer Bridge Ensemble weaves uncommon genres together like tango, funk, klezmer, punk, avant-garde, Indian music and classical music while maintaining solid and deliberate grooves.

Individually the members of the Quintet have performed with such musical luminaries as Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Wheeler, Sean Jones and Gerald Wilson. Called “an ensemble of considerable talent” by Keyboard Magazine, the ensemble performs original music with key elements from the jazz tradition highlighting diverse textures, unique instrumentation, with inventive rhythmic meters and inspiring ensemble interaction.

The Outer Bridge Ensemble is pianist/composer Steve Hudson, saxophonist Mark DeJong, bassist Pascal Niggenkemper, drummer Jerome Jennings and percussionist David Freeman.

On Monday, March 29th they will make their Washington D.C. debut at Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club located at 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW with two shows at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM and tickets priced at $18.00. For more information or to reserve tickets contact (202) 337-4141 or http://www.bluesalley.com. For more information about The Outer Bridge Ensemble go to: http://www.outerbridgeensemble.net.

The Outer Bridge Ensemble was born in New Jersey in 2003 with a core group of musicians led by pianist and composer Steve Hudson, drummer Jerome Jennings, percussionist David Freeman and saxophonist Mark DeJong. This modern creative jazz group successfully weaves uncommon genres together like tango, funk, klezmer, punk, avant-garde, Indian music and classical music while maintaining solid and deliberate grooves. What really makes the Outer Bridge Ensemble a cutting edge group is the high level of musicianship combined with original music. Audiences all over the world respond enthusiastically to their unique concept of the group sound, compositions and the level of interaction within the ensemble.
Individually the members of the Quintet have performed with such musical luminaries as Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Wheeler, Sean Jones and Gerald Wilson. Collectively they have opened for and collaborated with Kenny Werner, John Scofield, Steve Bernstein, James Zoller, Oscar Noriega, David Braid, Craig Brenan, Claire Daly, Achille Succi and coming in June 2010 they will open for Roy Hargrove at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Featured on a regular basis in the New York City club scene, the group has toured Italy and Canada (with assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts) being featured at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.
The Outer Bridge Ensemble has three CD’s that incorporate the core group: The Outer Bridge and Seamless (with Steve Hudson as leader) and The Unknown (with Mark DeJong as leader). Hudson's composition “Mingus Moon” from The Outer Bridge was a finalist in the 2003 International Songwriting Competition, selected among 11,000 entries and "Klezmer" from Seamless, a composition written by Freeman, was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition. Steve Hudson released his own CD in 2009, Shine, which included the Outer Bridge Ensemble core group Jerome, David, Mark along with Mike Noordzy, Peter Eldridge, Oscar Noriega and James Zollar. The Unknown was nominated for Best Jazz Recording of 2008 by the Western Canadian Music Awards.

Sheila Jordan/Ellen Johnson Workshop Featured in Ventura County Star Article

Jazz Stylist To Help Singers At Workshop

by Alicia Doyle

February 17, 2010

Ventura County Star

Called one of the most consistently creative of all jazz singers, Sheila Jordan thinks of herself as a messenger of this music.

On Sunday, Jordan will be in Ventura to co-lead a three-hour workshop with Ellen Johnson, a vocalist and educator from Ojai who teaches clinics, private vocal lessons and jazz workshops.

The following Saturday, Jordan will head to the San Fernando Valley to give two performances at Vitellos in Studio City with renowned jazz musicians Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine and Tom Warrington.

Read entire article: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/feb/16/jazz-stylist-to-help-singers-at-workshop/