Jazz Artist

THE INNOVATIVE NAJEE

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Najee once again very poignantly delivers a collection of songs that we can all connect with on his latest album, “The Morning After.” It encompasses stories of love and journeys well traveled, and it debuted #1 Contemporary Jazz album on the Billboard charts. With a career that spans over several years, Najee continues to captivate audiences without fail. Over the years, he has collaborated with everyone from George Duke to Jeff Lorber to Phil Perry. Najee has the ability to create songs that everyone loves and that reach across multiple genres. As is displayed with the release of the single titled “In The Mood To Take It Slow,” featuring his long time friend Meli’sa Morgan, he does this by making music that is accessible and relevant. She was the perfect person for this sensual slow groove. Smooth Jazz radio stations as well as R & B stations have been giving the single a lot of airplay, and fans are starting to request it more. Najee will be on tour throughout the upcoming year, promoting “The Morning After” and continuing to share his new music.

Najee and I discuss it all via Skype.

Najee
Najee
Najee
Najee

SAXOPHONIST AND VOCALIST MARQUEAL JORDAN

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Marqueal Jordan is a double threat in the world of music. The extraordinary musician is a gifted saxophone player and an amazing vocalist. He’s thankful for his vocal talent and has mastered how to use it. However, it’s the saxophone that compels him to push beyond the boundaries. Marqueal has been on the music scene for a long time. Early on, he showcased his talents with the funk unit “Fat Time.” Along the way, he had several opportunities to weave his way through genres such as R & B, Blues, and Jazz. Fortunately for him, in the long run, those experiences would have served him immensely. When he was asked by Brian Culbertson to join his band and go on tour with him, he did not hesitate. This was the moment for which he’d been preparing for many years. Since that time, Marqueal has collaborated with some of the very best artists in multiple genres of music. His skills and talents make him the perfect asset. Although he has spent much of his career as a sideman, Marqueal recently decided to step into the spotlight and embark upon a solo career. That decision has proven to be the right move for Jordan. His debut album is titled “Catalyst” and is full of songs that Marqueal says are “the best representation of himself.” His quest was to create a project that was a cross between Grover Washington and Maxwell. Ultimately, his work with friends and fellow musicians Brian Culbertson, DJ INC, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, and Frank McComb has led to this body of music that is nothing short of incredible. All of his hard work paved the way for such a time as this.

Marqueal and I had a great time talking about “Catalyst.”

Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan

DEQN SUE

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It’s not such a far fetched notion that the artist known as Deqn (pronounced Deacon) Sue was destined to make music a major part of her life. In fact, music is the platform she skillfully uses to create songs that provoke and awaken our social conscious. Deqn’s first album was titled “Idiosyncratic.” Since we all have our own idiosyncrasies, she chose to write about a few of them. She’s an artist that is very true to herself and her artistic style. She’s always known who she is, and most assuredly doesn’t apologize for it. As a strong, confident, comfortable, and unwavering singer, Deqn Sue will always exhibit honesty in her music. She joined forces with producer Kelvin Wooten, and together, they created “Zeitgeist.” It’s her second album and is set to be released in February 2014. Again, in the essence of who she really is, Deqn captures the spirit of the time we’re living in. She describes her music as “eccentric alternative pop.”

It was so much fun talking to Deqn Sue. She definitely has a fan in me.

Deqn Sue
Deqn Sue

DARRYL E. JONES

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Darryl E. Jones is everything but typical; he has a background that some may find puzzling. However puzzling it may be, it’s also just the foundation Darryl needed in order to evolve into the musician he is today. As a young boy, he loved playing the flute. In latter years of his youth, he laid it down and picked up sports. By the time he was in High School, he began to learn about Aviation Studies, followed by playing semi-pro football and becoming a body builder. Although his life took turns that led away from music, it was never a question for him in terms of what he really longed to do. Darryl’s passion and yearning to pursue music propelled him back to the flute. He’s exposed himself to multiple genres of music, and you can hear those styles infused throughout his CD “Relentless.” It’s the perfect title for his latest project, representing his unwavering determination to finish what he started.

He inspired me during our conversation.

Daryl E Jones
Daryl E Jones
Daryl E Jones
Daryl E Jones

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM JONATHAN BUTLER

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For Jonathan Butler, Christmas is a very special time of the year. The holiday represents precious time spent with family and the birth of Jesus Christ, both priorities to Jonathan. Thus, the release of his first Christmas album: “Merry Christmas To You.” The title track, penned by Butler, is a beautiful ballad expressing affection for those we love. His instrumental rendition of “Sleigh Ride” encompasses his native South African vibe. Jonathan is joined on this project by fellow friends and musicians Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Dan Lutz, Paul “Shilts” Weimer, and his daughter, Jodie Butler. “Merry Christmas To You” and “Sleigh Ride” will be released this season in time for the holidays. His faith and the gift of music are what continually sustain him. As a youth, it was music that enabled him to break through barriers and achieve tremendous success. His desire to spare youth from the snares of drugs and poverty compelled him to launch the Jonathan Butler Foundation in South Africa. The foundation aims to impart music into the lives of children, consequently giving them the tools to change the outcomes of their future.

Jonathan tells me just what “Merry Christmas To You” means to him.

Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler

VIOLINIST DANIEL D.

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When thinking of a violinist, most probably wouldn’t envision Daniel D. However, this contemporary violinist is determined to show the world that he’s not to be put in a box. He is a gifted young musician who fell in love with the violin at an early age. Although this was not his plan originally, he’s grateful for the opportunity to share his love for music and the violin. Daniel has already garnished a long list of accolades and has performed for some pretty incredible people, including Michael Jackson. His cross genre ability makes him even more appealing to his fans. It doesn’t matter if he’s in front of a large crowd or a small one; his energetic performances leave his audiences spellbound. Adding to his performances on stage is his incredibly talented band, “Urban Instrumentalist.” They too are eclectic and extremely talented. It wasn’t that long ago when Daniel released his debut album “Play For Me” in 2009. Three albums later, his latest project, “SonRise,” is inspirational and captivating audiences all around.

In our interview, he shares his passion.

Daniel D
Daniel D
Daniel D
Daniel D

THE LEGENDARY SPYRO GYRA

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In a studio in Rhinebeck, NY, the members of Spyro Gyra agreed to spend 3 days collectively improvising. After writing and recording for those 3 days, their new album, “The Rhinebeck Sessions,” was created. The legendary group has been making music and pleasing fans for over 35 years. Jay Beckenstein, the saxophone player, played all through school. His father exposed him to artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. While in Germany with his father on an Army base, he had the opportunity to play in bands and was introduced to R&B. He later returned to the states and attended college in NY. When Jay graduated, he spent time working in bands around town and eventually reconnected with his friend Jeremy Wall. Together they would evolve into what we now know as Spyro Gyra. Much to their surprise, their early project skyrocketed, and the group sold over tens of thousands of records in a year. They immediately captured the attention of an audience that loved their music. Jay describes the group as an instrumental ensemble that rarely has vocals. He credits the band’s tendency to be natural, pure, unpretentious musicians who put the welfare of the band before themselves with its longevity. This is evident still when listening to “The Rhinebeck Sessions.” Although some may think it’s edgier than previous albums, it’s also Spyro Gyra at their best. Jay would like the legacy of Spyro Gyra to be that their music impacted a new generation.

Spyro Gyra
Spyro Gyra
Jay Beckenstein
Jay Beckenstein

THE VOICE OF LORI JENAIRE

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Her voice is velvety and smooth. Although she’s often compared to Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, and Sarah Vaughn, Lori Jenaire, the stunning beauty, has earned her rightful place amongst those voices that paved the way. Her music has been referred to as neo-soul/jazz. Her voice can be heard on national advertising jingles, television shows, on the big screen, and she’s a skilled songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and bassist, as well. Aside from any genre she’s been placed in, her music is grown and sexy. Lori’s sophomore release “Fruition” is a collection of heartfelt empowering songs. She collaborated with Scott Cannady and co-wrote the majority of the album. Lori and Scott artistically created songs with texture, weaving a tapestry of incredible music. Lori also masterfully covered “California Dreamin’,” enhancing it with her sultry smoothness. Lori humbly describes “Fruition” as a “soul offering.”

We had a great conversation.

Lori Jenaire
Lori Jenaire

“SECOND CHANCES” FOR JESSY J

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Haven’t we all wished we had the chance to do some thing over again? Of course we have. According to Jessy J, she too wanted that chance, thus the title of her latest cd: “Second Chances.” It boasts funkiness, sexiness, and grooviness. Being a multi-instrumentalist, playing the saxophone, piano, and flute, and also being a singer and songwriter adds creative texture to the cd. She produced this project herself, collaborating with Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip, and Joe Sample. With a collective core of musicians such as that, the outcome is sure to be a winner, and Jessy’s beautiful vocals are sure to enhance the overall tone of the project. She has successfully fused jazz, latin beats, and R&B into each song. The first single, “Listen 2 The Groove,” has just that: a groovy vibe, and her vocals take it to another level.

I talked with Jessy J about “Second Chances.”

Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J

“SECOND CHANCES” FOR JESSY J

Pink and Blue Notes1 Comment

Haven’t we all wished we had the chance to do some thing over again? Of course we have. According to Jessy J, she too wanted that chance, thus the title of her latest cd: “Second Chances.” It boasts funkiness, sexiness, and grooviness. Being a multi-instrumentalist, playing the saxophone, piano, and flute, and also being a singer and songwriter adds creative texture to the cd. She produced this project herself, collaborating with Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Jimmy Haslip, and Joe Sample. With a collective core of musicians such as that, the outcome is sure to be a winner, and Jessy’s beautiful vocals are sure to enhance the overall tone of the project. She has successfully fused jazz, latin beats, and R&B into each song. The first single, “Listen 2 The Groove,” has just that: a groovy vibe, and her vocals take it to another level.

I talked with Jessy J about “Second Chances.”

Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J
Jessy J