The family-originated band The Blu J’z began as the vision of Reggie Silva. He grew up in a family of musicians, so it’s no coincidence that he chose to make music his life. In 1998, The Blu J’z began performing in local venues around Fresno, CA doing cover songs and original tunes. A few years later, the band went through personnel changes, and Reggie found himself battling throat cancer. Thankfully, Reggie survived his fight and decided to pull his band back together by putting his son Richard in charge. He is the band’s promoter and saxophone player. Since then, the band continues to play locally as well as open up for smooth jazz acts such as Brian Culbertson and David Sanborn. The Blu J’z are well on their way to becoming a well-known smooth jazz band.
Melvin Miller is a talented trumpet player with the ability to engage and entertain audiences in a style like no other. Having been influenced by legendary musicians such as Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie, Miller has crafted his own sound. Being versatile is one attribute that makes Melvin so appealing. He can play everything from Jazz to R&B to Pop. His career in music is vast and worldwide. Melvin is the composer of the fanfare for The Trumpet Awards, has performed with the UniverSoul Circus, and has served as the musical director for Gloria Gaynor. It is no surprise that he has also shared the stage with dynamic artists such as Alex Bugnon, Eric Essix, James Brown, and Wynton Marsalis just to name a few. Residing in Atlanta has opened the door for Miller to become the fifth man of the group Five Men On A Stool–an experience he shares with fellow talented musicians. In the midst of all that he’s a part of, Melvin still creates great music. To his loving mother, he is the “young man with a horn.” And this title has followed him throughout his life. As a tribute to his mother, he wrote his latest album, “I Hope You Dance.” Each song has a distinct meaning and direct connection to his mother whom he lost a few years ago. Through the pain and with the help of friends and family, he masterfully created a musical gem. The album has an array of songs ranging from up-tempo, funky grooves to smooth heartfelt tunes. I haven’t experienced another album quite like it.
Melvin talks to me about his career and opens up about the making of “I Hope You Dance.”
Ruslan’s story is just as incredible as he is a pianist. Fleeing with his family from the Communist Soviet Union to Israel would prove to be the perfect catalyst for his future. He was such a great musician that he was granted a full scholarship to the Berklee School of Music, and it was there that he would learn many valuable lessons about music and life. He accredits his journey for allowing him to explore and be creative. With aspirations and perseverance, he navigated his way around the music scene. It wasn’t long before Ruslan found himself working with the legendary Stanley Clarke. And that was just the beginning. He’s won a Grammy as well as collaborated with George Duke, Marcus Miller, Seal, and Chick Corea. When Ruslan decided to do an album, it was only befitting that he do so on Stanley Clarke’s label, Roxboro Entertainment Group. His debut album, “Ruslan,” has 14 songs–some of which are collaborations. It serves as the culmination of Ruslan’s varying abilities while maintaining authenticity. I find it magical and mesmerizing.
Vandell Andrew hails from New Orleans where jazz is rooted and abundant. It wasn’t until he was a teenager attending a summer camp that, unbeknownst to him, his future would be set in motion. He would later lay down the trumpet for the saxophone, and the rest is history. After enduring hurricane Katrina, Andrew relocated to Texas. It was there where his passion was fueled, and music became his life. As always, on the other side of every storm, there is a rainbow. For Vandell, that rainbow was a collection of original music and a debut album titled “Years Later.” He went on to share the stage with jazz musicians such as Kirk Whalum and collaborate with others such as Darren Rahn. He recently released an EP titled “Turn It Up.” And that is exactly what he wants his fans to do: turn it up and enjoy. They have done just that and embraced Vandell’s new music, giving it great reviews.
Vandell and I talk about the past and the present.
The excitement is in the air for singer, songwriter, poet, and producer, Offiong Bassey. Today, February 4th, her debut self-titled album “Offiong Bassey” will be released. The CD is set to make an impact amongst her fans as well as new listeners. She is a breath of fresh air and possesses an eclectic style that carries over into her music. Offiong makes a point to weave her Nigerian heritage and native tongue into the music she writes. She also collaborates with producers and musicians from all over the world to help authenticate the music she creates. Her passion, creativity, and desire to be true to herself makes her music very relevant. Her song “Legitimate Child” will be released to radio and has a significant message. Offiong wants everyone to know that no matter your circumstances or where you come from, you matter because you were made by your creator. She is elated about the endless possibilities in her future and will embark on a tour as well as record an unplugged album this spring.
Offiong and I converse as she opens up about her music.
What do you get when you combine a tenacious businessman and a passionate jazz musician? You get The Aston Grey Project. Chris Clay, the force behind the group, hails from New Orleans and is no stranger to the music business. So, it only makes sense that when he embarked on the quest to start a jazz band, he would enlist some very fine musicians. Collectively they released the sultry laid back CD, “Chill Lounge.” It consists of 12 songs that offer something for every listener. The first radio single is “Relax Your Mind,” and the project has seen a tremendous amount of success–even internationally–in a very short period of time. The group has already completed their next project titled “The Sounds of 52nd Street,” a swing jazz EP. This year will be very busy for The Aston Grey Project; they are set to begin touring as well as putting the finishing touches on another CD slated to be released in August titled “Changing The Game.” Chris assures me that it is going to be outstanding. I can’t wait to see them perform live as Chris will step from behind the piano and become the conductor for the band.
Chris and I share our passion for jazz and our commitment to doing our due diligence for the genre:
I am thrilled to kick off 2014 with one of my favorite groups; INNERTWYNED. I’m not only a true fan but also a friend. It was a pleasure to once again sit down and talk with this extremely talented group of musicians about their endeavors as a unit and individually. Watch our live video at the link below.
Pianist Scott Allman has definitely found a place amongst a new generation of rising contemporary jazz artists and deservedly so. He’s not a trained prodigy who has been playing the keyboard all his life; instead, he is a self-taught musician with a sincere love for music. Throughout his life, Scott was exposed to many different genres of music, making his musical pallet well-versed. Armed with passion and talent, Scott creates music that is positive and uplifting. As long as the music is meaningful and fulfilling to him and can give listeners a lift, then he’s done his job. He is an artist who can do it all, from composing to producing to playing. In addition, he surrounds himself with musicians who have impeccable talent such as Darren Rahn, Lin Rountree, and Phil Denny who lend themselves to his projects. Scott’s current cd, “NEXT STOP HOME,” has had significant success and was inspired by his fans. The 12 original tracks were written by Allman but were derived from photos of places around the world sent to him by others. With this amazing concept, he created music just as an artist would a painting. He’s a composer who appreciates the life inside of a song and lets it manifest in its own way; each song takes you on a journey as seen through the eyes of others.
I had a great time talking with Scott and listening as he told me the story behind each song.
Pianist Scott Allman has definitely found a place amongst a new generation of rising contemporary jazz artists and deservedly so. He’s not a trained prodigy who has been playing the keyboard all his life; instead, he is a self-taught musician with a sincere love for music. Throughout his life, Scott was exposed to many different genres of music, making his musical pallet well-versed. Armed with passion and talent, Scott creates music that is positive and uplifting. As long as the music is meaningful and fulfilling to him and can give listeners a lift, then he’s done his job. He is an artist who can do it all, from composing to producing to playing. In addition, he surrounds himself with musicians who have impeccable talent such as Darren Rahn, Lin Rountree, and Phil Denny who lend themselves to his projects. Scott’s current cd, “NEXT STOP HOME,” has had significant success and was inspired by his fans. The 12 original tracks were written by Allman but were derived from photos of places around the world sent to him by others. With this amazing concept, he created music just as an artist would a painting. He’s a composer who appreciates the life inside of a song and lets it manifest in its own way; each song takes you on a journey as seen through the eyes of others.
I had a great time talking with Scott and listening as he told me the story behind each song.
Chris Godber has always known to whom he should give all the honor and thanks: his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He has so much to be thankful for, including his Christmas album that was years in the making, “Where Are You CHRISTmas.” And he poses this question to anyone who needs to be reminded that Jesus is the reason for the season. Chris calls this project a “labor of love” and acknowledges that he did it for his fans. It is their support and the help of some very talented musicians that make it all possible. “Where Are You CHRISTmas” comes just in time for the holiday season and is a collection of songs we all know and love.
“What Child Is This” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” have been glazed with a contemporary smooth jazz sound. “I Love Christmas” features guitarist Lowell Hopper and is pleasantly playful and engaging. Godber’s covers of “Let It Snow,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” and “The First Noel” are traditional yet very jazzy. Dony Adair lends his smooth vocals to a soulful rendition of “The Christmas Song,” and the title song, “Where Are You CHRISTmas” is reminiscent of the perfect lullaby for the holiday season. “Mary Did You Know” is beautiful and soul-stirring with just the right fusion of Chris on Saxophone and Lowell on guitar. The final song on the album is “Feliz Navidad.” It features Sam Hankins on trumpet and has a Latin jazz big band sound to it.
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