As I look forward to 2014, I have to give thanks for 2013. This past year has been full of twists and turns and many unexpected realities. God has been so good. It was in the spring of this year that I created my blog, Pink and Blue Notes. Although quite unexpected at the time, it was born out of my love and passion for music. I am grateful and humbled by the generosity of the many artists, musicians, publicists, managers, radio show hosts, and jazz magazine owners who have made what I do a joy that grows with each and every encounter.
I have enjoyed listening to some incredible music, meeting and interviewing amazing musicians, attending shows and jazz-fests, and forming fulfilling relationships. Thank you to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with. You’ve made Pink and Blue Notes a success.
As I move into 2014, I look forward to maintaining relationships and embracing new ones as I continue my quest to share music–the universal language–and the artists that bring it to life. I’ll see you in 2014.
Marvin A. Ross a 29 year radio veteran was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. After graduating from West Charlotte Senior High School, he attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. He received his BS degree in Safety and Driver Education. During his tenure at the university, he also had extensive training in radio broadcasting through elective courses. He has worked for the campus radio station, WNAA 90.1 fm, under the direction of several icons in the radio business, including Tony Welborne, Stephen Lipsomb, Yvonne Anderson, Ty Miller and others that have guided him in the booming radio business. As a student he appreciated the genre of jazz, R @ B and old school artist back in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s 90’s and today. He has also has worked for WTHP 98.3 in Tomasville, N.C under the direction of Jay Jackson, who is now a pinnacle of the business through radio and records. Upon graduating in 1987, he worked for the United States Government for 24 years full time at this time, he also received his second commercial job at WCKZ, KISS 102 in Gastonia, North Carolina. He later moved to WPEG, Power 98 in Concord, North Carolina under the direction of great programmers such as Michael Saunders, Andre Carson, and great personalities such as Skip Murphy, Frankie Darcell, Kevin Foxx, Chirl Girl, Keith Garrett, Chaz, Nate Quick, George “Appollo” Featherbay, Terri Avery, Todd Haygood, and Barbara Taylor and many others. Marvin now works at WBAV, V101.9 Charlotte where he is now the host of the Sunday Smooth and Contemporary jazz brunch on Sundays from Noon to 3:00 pm. All of these influences have guided him in where he is now and this is why he is going back to where he started in college…..JAZZ!
It is apparent that Theresa Grayson was born with a gift, a gift that she’s embraced and shares through her music. At the age of 4, she could play all woodwind instruments, the piano, and the guitar. It wasn’t until the age of 8 that she cultivated a lasting relationship with the saxophone. She grew up in musically competitive environments that helped her master her art. Music is her passion, it’s evident in every note she plays. Theresa is also very dedicated to her education. She’s earned two Masters degrees and is pursuing a Doctorate degree. Amid it all, she continues to thrive and excel in every area of her life. She’s worked hard and waited for such a time as this. Her sophomore cd, “Live 2 Love,” is a compilation of soulful cover songs and beautiful originals that mirror anthems of a love story. Her rendition of “Smooth Operator” maintains the authenticity of the original, yet she makes it her own. One of her originals, “Close Your Eyes,” is so captivating, it will transport you into another world. Theresa’s music is just as colorful and vibrant as she is. Grayson’s vocals on “Live 2 Love” are sultry, funky, and oh so smooth. She attributes her work with artists like Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows, Jeff Majors, Ronnie Laws, and Jessy J with framing who she is as an artist. Her first single is “Afterthoughts,” and her cd is set to be released on November 5th.
Talking to Theresa was inciting, fun, and motivating.
It isn’t often that I hear someone say that they have truly found their purpose in life and are living their dream. After talking to Melody Warren, I knew she was one of those people. She’s a savvy business woman who loves the arts, fashion, and jazz. She left the corporate world to create an event planning company called Multifaceted Exquisite Events Incorporated. She would soon add THE MELODY IN M.E.E., and THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. to the company. It didn’t take long for her journey to begin and for her vision to be realized and recognized. She has garnered a huge fan base acquiring 190,000 hits per month on her website. Fans and jazz musicians alike have become huge supporters of Melody, and appreciate all she’s doing for jazz and the arts. I personally admire her spirit and tenacity. She has created a product that is diverse, artsy, and informative. Take a look at the July issue of JAZZ IN M.E.E. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MAGAZINE July Issue – KEIKO MATSUI
JAZZ ADVOCATE TO LAUNCH THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE
Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. Founder to Debut
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. Magazine Inaugural Issue
January 2013
Houston, Texas — THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine is set to officially launch January 2013.
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. is an affiliate of Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. News and Media division. THE JAZZ IN M.E.E., based in Houston, hosts and reports on jazz, literary and art events nationally. THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. is the newest addition to the M.E.E. network, targeting devotees to jazz and the arts. This online magazine will include dynamic cover stories, trendy Jazz Watch music reviews, boldly stylish CD releases, trend setting blog updates, enchantingly cool featured festival insights, informative “Inside M.E.E.” reports and other consequential jazz information.
The magazine was developed after the success of In the Jazzy Limelight, an online article profiling various jazz artists. In the Jazzy Limelight has reached over 180,000 readers in 25 countries, with highest international views in Japan, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom. Readers of the online feature have a passion for jazz vacations, explorations and getaways. These topics will continue to be explored and expanded upon with the launch of THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. was created to be a platform to showcase, support, advocate, market and promote the love of jazz, the artists, musicians, enthusiasts and supporters of this magnificent genre of music and the events that are a springboard for its success. M.E.E. is on a mission to keep jazz and its artists in the forefront. THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. aims to be an informative, inspiring and entertaining jazz style of living magazine where readers can find in-depth feature articles and columns pertaining to everything jazz with an artistic flair.
The JAZZ IN M.E.E. is the creation of jazz advocate Melody Warren, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief. Warren describes her passion for jazz, “My love affair with jazz started years ago! I have fallen madly in love with the art form, the artists, the musicians, and those who support this genre of music. Jazz fits perfectly into my creative and artistic disposition, which is in close proximity to fashion and the arts. These three facets of beauty have always played an integral part of my life. So falling head over heels for the true American art form of jazz was totally understandable”.
The M.E.E. network includes Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E., THE MELODY IN M.E.E. and GLAM.
With positive feedback after the release of In the Jazzy Limelight last year, Warren is now set to launch THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine in January to connect jazz enthusiasts to the artists, music, products and services offered by jazz and the arts.
The legendary Jazz Alley has been around for over 30 years. It’s a premier dinner club that has hosted legendary artists like Oscar Peterson, and Dizzy Gillespie. Before there was Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, John Dimitriou opened Blues Alley in Washington, DC. He then moved back to Seattle and subsequently opened 2 jazz clubs. Soon thereafter, he decided to close the 2 and create 1. Thus, the birth of Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. The Jazz Alley opened in 1979. It’s a venue you must attend if you’re in the Seattle, WA area. You can count on an encounter with musical artists every week. The Jazz Alley hosts a variety of artists offering music for everyone to enjoy. They’ve since relocated to accommodate more people, while still maintaining the feeling of an intimate club. There is no bad seat in the house, and now they’ve expanded to include a mezzanine. The venue holds 350 people, and are the Nation’s 3rd longest running dinner club of its kind. While enjoying the music coming from a state of the art sound system, you can also dine. The menu includes mostly a Northwest cuisine. For convenience you can make cocktail and dinner reservations when attending a show. I think fine cuisine and great music make a wonderful combination. John realizes that music is forever changing and embraces that change by showcasing music that doesn’t fall under the umbrella of jazz. It’s a way of introducing new music and artists as well as gaining new and different audiences.
Dimitriou’s is host to the Pacific Jazz Institute which is a non-profit organization that’s geared to educating and introducing youth in the area to jazz. They offer workshops that are sometimes led by artists. There are many reasons why Dimitriou’s has received accolades such as being one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world.
I say, be careful, you could easily become spoiled by the intimacy of the Jazz Alley.
Elan Trotman is not only a brilliant recording artist, he’s a composer and performer. Coming from the beautiful island of Barbados, Elan knows how to infuse the sounds of calypso and reggae into his music. Yet, his music is also sexy and full of edgy melodies. He shows this side of himself on the “Love and Sax” CD. His collaboration with Brian Simpson on “Heaven In Your Eyes” climbed the charts, and quickly paved the way for all that was to come for Elan. His latest release “Tropicality” features Peter White among other jazz artists, and embodies his native Barbadian culture.
Rick Braun has been entertaining us for many years with his chart topping award winning hits. He’s collaborated with some of the best to bring us songs like “Shake it Up” with Boney James which won the Best Collaboration Award. His work with Richard Elliott in “RNR” went to #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. It’s no surprise that he’s a much sought after producer. He’s definitely proven that he has what it takes.
Rick is skilled in more than just one area of music which makes him versatile as an artist. He’s a vocalist who was once a back-up singer for artists like Rod Steward, Sade, and Tina Turner. That’s something that most people probably wouldn’t know. Now he’s chosen to display his vocals on his latest project titled “Rick Braun Sings With Strings.” He covered songs that we all know and love such as “Time After Time,” and some we may not be as familiar with like “Once Upon A Summertime.” Rick created a project that would beautifully display his trumpet playing skills, as well as his vocal abilities.
Rick tells me all about it.
Rick BraunRick Braun
CLICK FOLLOW AT THE TOP AND/OR BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN. LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE PINK AND BLUE NOTES. FOLLOW ON TWITTER @Pink_BlueNotes.
He’s known for his chart topping hits, his use of many instruments, and as a quadruple threat. Euge is a saxophonist, composer, producer, and DJ. He immerses himself into his music, and remains true to his art and his fans. He grew up listening to all types of music, and that exposure helped shaped the musician he is today. Euge knows what it feels like to be at the top of your craft, and have numerous chart topping #1 hits. Yet he stays grounded and focused on his calling in life. His longevity in the industry speaks volumes about his talent. His latest album titled “HOUSE OF GROOVE” was recorded in only eight months, and delivers some powerful vocals from Jeffrey Osborne, Chioma, and Kate Miner.
Let’s hear his story in his own words.
Euge Groove
CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON AT THE TOP AND/OR BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN. LIKE THE FACEBOOK PAGE PINK AND BLUE NOTES, AND FOLLOW ON TWITTER @Pink_BlueNotes.
Grammy Award Winner Norman Brown talks to me about his love for music and the guitar. From those who inspired him, to his huge decision to move to LA after High School to pursue his dream, Norman reveals how it all came together. He quickly established himself as one of the best guitar players. From his debut album in 1992 “Just Between Us” to his collaboration with Gerald Albright in 2012 “24/7”, Brown has continuously given us great music. He shows off his vocal skills on his project “West Coast Coolin”, and then again on his R&B hit “Stay With Me.” Finally, Norman can add Broadcaster to the list of his accomplishments. He once hosted his own weekend radio show on the Smooth Jazz Network.
In his own words.
Norman BrownNorman BrownBWB
REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THIS BLOG BY CLICKING FOLLOW ON THE BOTTOM AND/OR TOP OF THE PAGE. LIKE PINK AND BLUE NOTES ON FACEBOOK, AND FOLLOW ON TWITTER @Pink_BlueNotes.
Jazz singer-songwriter teams with Jeff Lorber for a deeply personal album about the demise of her marriage
Los Angeles, California (22 May 2013): Thinking that everything had fallen apart, the tears streamed down Carol Duboc’s face as she wrote the lyrics to “Smile,” the title track to the soulful jazz vocalist’s stunning sixth album that was released Tuesday (May 21) by Gold Note Music. She gazed at her young daughter’s smile and found hope. Hope infuses the painfully honest and courageously candid collection Duboc penned and produced with fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber about coming to terms with the end of her marriage. The shuffling beats of the funky first single, “Elephant,” one of Billboard BDSradio’s most added tracks this week, elusively dances around the realization that she and her husband faced: the amassed problems in the marriage were the elephant that could no longer be ignored.
Duboc and Lorber have a history of writing songs together that spans more than a decade yet became more frequent a few years ago when the chanteuse with the candied voice moved into a Los Angeles, Calif. neighborhood near Lorber’s home studio. They complement each other’s strengths as songwriters organically with Duboc coming up with catchy melodies and compelling storytelling lyrics for Lorber’s jazz-funk rhythms and grooves. Naturally turning to her own life for lyrical themes, Duboc delved into the flood of feelings that she was experiencing at the time in the troubled relationship. She intimately chronicled utilizing the process as a form of therapy allowing her to work through the morass. Despite the difficult subject matter, the songs are not bitter as Duboc instills a sense of hope into her melodies – perhaps because of her daughter’s presence. She remains poised throughout her cathartic emotional exploration.
“Smile” was recorded in the studio live with Duboc accompanied by a stellar ensemble consisting of Lorber (keyboards, Moog & guitar), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), Grammy-nominee Brian Bromberg (acoustic bass), Jimmy Haslip (electric bass), 3-time Grammy nominee Hubert Laws (flute), Michael Thompson (guitars), Luis Conte (percussion) and Tim Carmon (piano). Her graceful, caressing and expressive voice nestles into the plush contemporary jazz rhythm beds, rides the R&B grooves, and adds depth to the urbane pop confections.
After “Elephant” opens Duboc’s diary, the comforting and inspiring title track emits radiant light in the face of challenging times as captured in the uplifting video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIPYZRYApRc). The sultry “Unpredictable” is a tantalizing fantasy about a stranger on which Thompson’s cool jazz guitar riffs admonish the dangers of acting on the daydream. Duboc realizes her dream of scatting along with one of Laws’ solos on “Telepathy” although at the time she was preoccupied trying to read her husband’s mind. The sensual “Atmosphere” sets the mood for romance in the hope of rekindling the love. A brisk Latin jazz adventure, Duboc puts her fear of flying aside to offer a pledge of faith and trust on “Parachute.” An ethereal sonicscape spotlighting Bromberg’s nuanced acoustic bass heightens the sex appeal of Duboc’s enticing purrs and prowls on “Behind A Kiss,” which finds physical love on the other side of the tumult. On the jazzy “Gliding,” the singer yearns to fly free from her troubles underscored by Laws’ soaring and fanciful flute. Begging to know what “Nobody Knows,” Duboc’s marriage was rocked unexpectedly after she returned home from the studio one day to learn something shocking about her partner, which proved to be the beginning of the end. Duboc describes the buoyant “Mythological” as being a “great closer for this musical and emotional journey.”
To help launch “Smile,” Duboc will perform a pair of album release gigs backed by Lorber, Haslip, drummer Tony Moore and guitarist Adam Hawley this Sunday (May 26) at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, Calif. and in Hollywood on May 29th at the Catalina Jazz Club.
Ever since her 2001 debut album, “With All That I Am,” Duboc has consistently set the bar high for her critically-acclaimed sophisticated urban-jazz tunes that have garnered gushing praise from the likes of the Los Angeles Times and JazzTimes. Laws appeared on that first album and remains a fixture on her recordings that over the years have spawned multiple Top 5 airplay singles at Radio & Records and included collaborations with Lorber, Gerald Albright and Patrice Rushen. Duboc’s gift for composing and arranging has enabled her to author songs on gold and platinum-selling albums by Patti LaBelle, Chante Moore, Tom Jones, Stephanie Mills, Jade, George Duke, Maurice White, and Fine Young Cannibals. Duboc was tapped as a special guest on several of the all-star Ladies’ Jazz series alongside Sarah Vaughan, Jane Monheit, Diana Krall and Dinah Washington. The beautiful blond Kansas City, Missouri native made her motion picture debut in 2005’s “Be Cool,” which starred John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Danny DeVito. Additional information is available at http://www.carolduboc.com.
pinkandbluenotes.com 
