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

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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

A Jazzy Christmas Wish Fulfilled‏

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A Jazzy Christmas Wish Fulfilled

Pianist and vocalist Peggy Duquesnel will release “All I Ask for Christmas” on November 5th, a double-disc set comprised of instrumental and vocal renditions of holiday standards and spirited originals.

Long Beach, Calif. (10 October 2013): There is always a bit of an uproar when Santa and the elves debate over music preferences while toiling away in their North Pole workshop preparing for the big night. Some prefer swinging to straight-ahead jazz instrumentals while others prefer contemporary vocal numbers. Multidimensional pianist and vocalist Peggy Duquesnel’s “All I Ask for Christmas” is certain to satisfy everyone with her generous 21-song collection that will be released November 5th by Joyspring Music. Duquesnel produced the two-CD set – one acoustic jazz instrumental disc and one vocal disc – offering fresh arrangements of seasonal standards along with four new songs that she composed and recorded as both instrumental and vocal selections. The entire album will be serviced to jazz radio stations while smooth jazz outlets will be gifted with the single, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” featuring genre star Rick Braun’s regal flugelhorn.

Duquesnel is having a prolific year. In April, she released “Seems Like I Know You,” a five-song EP that she produced with noted contemporary jazz musicians Jeff Lorber and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) on which she exercised her fitness as an adult contemporary singer-songwriter while engaging her light jazz muscles. The instrumental portion of “All I Ask for Christmas” is a return to the classically-trained pianist’s roots in straight-ahead jazz presented with elements of adult pop, contemporary jazz and inspirational material on this, her seventh full-length outing. Backed by a crackling quartet – Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg on upright, drummer Joe La Barbera (Bill Evans, Tony Bennett, Bill Cunliffe), percussionist Brian Kilgore (Barbra Streisand, John Williams, Elton John, Coldplay, Aerosmith) and guitarist Jay Leach (“American Idol,” Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight) – Duquesnel’s arrangements are influenced by storied artists from yesteryear (George & Ira Gershwin, Horace Silver, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra) along with a dose of contemporary acoustic jazz (Dave Grusin, Bob James, Miles Davis).

On the vocal disc, Duquesnel sings and scats three duets with debonair vocalist Bill Cantos: the bebop title track penned by Duquesnel; the aptly titled “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song),” which was written and recorded by Amy Grant; and another new Duquesnel gem, “Under the Christmas Tree,” a romantic country gospel waltz adorned with Leach’s pedal steel guitar. Talented newcomer Emma Werderman impresses with a vocal full of moxie during a duet with her mentor (Duquesnel) on the stunning “Mary Did You Know” further illumined by Duquesnel’s piano eloquence. Duquesnel’s glowing jazzer “Light of Christmas” and the waltz-like “Christmas is Here” are new songs written with warmth, familiarity and timeless qualities that have the potential to become enduring evergreens.

“The album concept is to take familiar Christmas songs and put them with unique arrangements that have a jazz influence, but that are all accessible to a broad audience. In the process of making the album, I decided to do instrumental versions of the vocal songs. I am both a vocalist and an instrumentalist and enjoy playing these songs just as much instrumentally as vocally. For the listener, having both versions makes a lot of sense because they set two entirely different moods,” said Duquesnel, who invites you into the studio to observe the making of the album by watching the EPK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSApuhPMt8o).

To support “All I Ask for Christmas,” Duquesnel will perform three shows during the holiday season in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas: November 24th at the Hoson House in Tustin, December 11th at Fields Pianos in Santa Ana and December 19th at Vitello’s Jazz & Supper Club in Studio City.

Duquesnel’s “All I Ask for Christmas” consists of the following titles:

Disc 1 – Instrumental Songs

“Little Drummer Boy”

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

“All I Ask for Christmas”

“Mary Did You Know”

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

“Christmas is Here”

“O Christmas Tree”

“Silent Night”

“What Child is This”

“Under the Christmas Tree”

“I Wonder as I Wander”

“Light of Christmas”

Disc 2 – Vocal Songs

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

“Mary Did You Know”

“Light of Christmas”

“Silent Night”

“All I Ask for Christmas”

“Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)”

“Under the Christmas Tree”

“I Wonder As I Wander”

“Christmas is Here”

For more information about Duquesnel, please visit http://www.PeggyDuquesnel.com.

SHE’S BEAUTIFUL, SHE’S TALENTED, SHE IS THERESA GRAYSON

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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.

Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson

THE “PULSE” OF STEVE COLE

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Steve Cole has come full circle in his career that has spanned 15 years. He had a great start with the success of his debut album “Stay Awhile” which earned him two #1 singles. His latest and 7th album, “Pulse,” embodies snippets of Cole’s background in R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. “Pulse” takes listeners on a musical journey beginning with the title track that he co-wrote with Nicholas Cole. Its funky and smooth groove sets the stage for a collection of tunes produced and co-written with David Mann. The first single, “With You All The Way,” sounds like pure Steve Cole. Listen a little longer, and you’ll be mesmerized by his beautiful cover of “Going In Circles,” then end your journey with the fusion of gospel and jazz, “Believe.” In Steve’s own words, “Pulse” can simply be described as: “This is Steve Cole.” Steve is touring to promote “Pulse” and working on a new project with Sax Pack alongside fellow saxophone players Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve and I had a great conversation.

Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole

THE “PULSE” OF STEVE COLE

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

Steve Cole has come full circle in his career that has spanned 15 years. He had a great start with the success of his debut album “Stay Awhile” which earned him two #1 singles. His latest and 7th album, “Pulse,” embodies snippets of Cole’s background in R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. “Pulse” takes listeners on a musical journey beginning with the title track that he co-wrote with Nicholas Cole. Its funky and smooth groove sets the stage for a collection of tunes produced and co-written with David Mann. The first single, “With You All The Way,” sounds like pure Steve Cole. Listen a little longer, and you’ll be mesmerized by his beautiful cover of “Going In Circles,” then end your journey with the fusion of gospel and jazz, “Believe.” In Steve’s own words, “Pulse” can simply be described as: “This is Steve Cole.” Steve is touring to promote “Pulse” and working on a new project with Sax Pack alongside fellow saxophone players Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve and I had a great conversation.

Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole

Growing Jazz Getaway offers a divine taste of Napa‏

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Growing Jazz Getaway offers a divine taste of Napa

Brian Culbertson assembles an array of jazz & funk stars for the 2014 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway.

Los Angeles, Calif. (7 October 2013): While in the midst of the vineyards last June to shoot a promotional clip for the third annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, the flourishing jazz and wine festival’s Founder and Artistic Director Brian Culbertson looked into the camera and vowed “More artists, more music, more food and of course, more wine.” The hit-making contemporary jazz and R&B mixologist is making good on his promise with the unveiling of the powerhouse lineup of jazz and funk artists that will perform for the many thousands of Getaway attendees who will come from all over the U.S. to Napa Valley from June 11-15, 2014.

Slated to join Culbertson for five-days of concerts, wine tastings, fine dining and unique social opportunities are Eric Benét, Lee Ritenour, David Grusin, Ohio Players, Morris Day & The Time, Earl Klugh, Mavis Staples, Average White Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Eric Darius, David Benoit, Michael Lington, Eric Marienthal, Jazz in Pink featuring Gail Jhonson, Althea Rene and Karen Briggs, Cecil Ramirez and the comedic mind of Keenen Ivory Wayans.

VIP Packages are already sold out with Four-day Gold Packages ($499) on sale now through the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway website (www.NapaValleyJazzGetaway.me). Two-day Silver Packages ($229) will go on sale in late November.

The 2014 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway will open with several VIP-only events as well as an exclusive Welcome Dinner Concert and Jam Session at renowned chef Cindy Pawlcyn’s Wood Grill and Wine Bar with a performance by the Cecil Ramirez Quartet along with Culbertson and saxophonist Lington for which a separate ticket is required (available through the Getaway website for $125). The Thursday night theme concert on June 12th will be Jazz Legends at the Lincoln Theater, which will also be the venue for Friday Night Funk Night. The music moves outdoors on June 14 & 15 to the breathtakingly beautiful setting at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards for concerts that run from 4-10:30 PM. Afternoon happenings during the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway include a cigar and port event hosted by Lington with Ramirez and daily Wine Downs at the luxurious Westin Verasa Napa, the host hotel that for the first time will be solely reserved for guests of the Getaway. The Westin Verasa will also be the scene for the hot Late Night Hangs scheduled for Thursday through Saturday evenings post-concert during the Getaway at which fans can meet and mingle with the artists after their stroll down the Cab Carpet. As in previous editions of the Getaway, silent and live auctions will be held to benefit The GRAMMY® Foundation, which supports music education programs in schools, a mission of Culbertson, who raised nearly $100,000 for the organization during the first two Napa Valley Jazz Getaways.

Culbertson said, “It is extraordinary how much the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway has grown in just our third year and I’m so excited about our incredible lineup for 2014, our biggest and best yet. In addition to being joined by these legendary artists, I continue to invite more exquisite wineries to be involved with the Getaway as well as many more unique restaurants to be present at our outdoor events to provide a true ‘taste of Napa’ experience. I look forward to welcoming wine and jazz enthusiasts to the beautiful Napa Valley once again.”

Culbertson is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer who became a fan favorite for the vitality and prodigious skills that he brought to contemporary jazz ever since the release of his 1994 debut disc, “Long Night Out,” signaled the arrival of a consistently creative and engaging artist. The keyboardist and trombonist is back in the recording studio working on his 14th collection, a remake of the first album that he made in his crowded apartment bedroom “studio” while he was a 20-year-old college student. But this time out, instead of playing most of the instruments himself, he will be joined by an all-star collective of contemporary jazz artists comprised of many of the musicians that inspired him while recording the original. “Another Long Night Out” will be released in February 2014 in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the first record. Additional information about Culbertson is available at http://www.BrianCulbertson.me.

Highlights of the 2013 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oaRaeCnhO6Y.

Lebron Dennis

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Lebron Dennis is not only a skillful saxophone player, but he’s arrived on the smooth jazz scene and proved he has exactly what it takes. At a young age, Lebron developed a love for the saxophone. He taught himself to play and soon became an integral part of the elite Young Sounds of Arizona. Over the years, he developed a sound that uniquely sets him apart from others. His ability to express himself with every note he plays engages his audience, transporting them into his musical world. He is the future of smooth jazz, and that future is looking very bright. Alongside Darren Rahn and Paul Brown, Lebron’s CD “SHADES” is a telling story of who he is. The title track is indicative of the shades of Lebron. His single, “Groove City,” debuted at #1 on the most added groove jazz chart. He is also a member of generation next along with his musical peers Nicholas Cole, Julian Vaughn, and Lin Rountree. In his own words: “Sound. It’s all about the sound.”

Listen, and you’ll feel his passion for the music he creates.

Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis

Surveying the soul of pop music: saxophonist Theresa Grayson’s “Live2Love”

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Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson

Surveying the soul of pop music

Saxophonist Theresa Grayson’s “Live2Love,” a compelling mix of pop gems from past to present and soul-jazz originals, will be released November 5th.

Houston, Texas (16 September 2013): Theresa Grayson wears her passion for soulful pop music proudly. From Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oats, Sade and Tony! Toni! Toné! to Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 and John Legend, the saxophonist-flutist mines hits from decades past to present on her sophomore album, “Live2Love,” which will be released November 5th by L2L Records. The disc also showcases five soul-jazz originals, four of which were penned by Grayson including the first radio single, “Afterthoughts,” an urbane track featuring soprano sax, scat-like vocalization and live instrumentation typical of the set from producer Terence Fisher.

Grayson alternates between expressive tenor and soprano sax on “Live2Love” augmented by graceful flute flourishes. She wields soprano on the lush ‘70s retro themed “More Pressure.” The frenetic pace on “Locked Out of Heaven” gushes streams of flowing melody. Grayson presents “Sarah Smile” as a soulful tenor serenade and she surprises with soothing lead and backing vocals on “Smooth Operator.” “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” soars upon a futuristic sonicscape giving flight to the saxtress’ impassioned calls. “Moves Like Jagger” prances feverishly with a sense of urgency established by a driving beat. The stately “Natural Woman” receives an anthem-like rendering. Lights dim for “Spend My Life” and “Close Your Eyes,” seductive urban adult contemporary grooves lit by Grayson’s sensual soprano and a vocal chorus. Desire permeates the ballad “Just A Little Time” while the longing continues on the classic slow jam “It Never Rains in Southern California,” which closes the collection.

“Leading my own band for several years, I have always had a set list that mixes feel good originals and cover songs with unique arrangements that get people up dancing and my goal with ‘Live2Love’ was to capture that spirit in the studio. I’m really happy with these arrangements of songs from multiple eras, and as a songwriter and arranger, I appreciate the chance to introduce my own material. The music is a reflection of my heart and the melodies I play are the steps of my own experiences. My desire is to touch a special place in the listener’s heart and create a warm feeling of peace and happiness. I want to leave the listener smiling, knowing that this was more than just a recording, that it was a life experience that I want to share with them,” said Grayson, who will preview the album at an October 26th concert date at Sugas Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar in Beaumont, Texas.

Having been reared in the church, the Tyler, Texas-born and Houston-raised Grayson debuted in 2010 with “It’s All About You,” an outing comprised of inspirational instrumentals. The fashionably coiffed and flashily wardrobed Grayson has strutted her high heels on concert stages with Peter White, Mindi Abair, Michael Bolton, Will Downing, Marion Meadows and Ronnie Laws as a sidewoman and an opener. She earned a pair of master’s degrees and is pursuing a doctorate in music education. Additional information is available at http://www.TheresaGrayson.com.

Grayson’s “Live2Love” contains the following songs:

“More Pressure”

“Locked Out of Heaven”

“Sarah Smile”

“Smooth Operator”

“Tonight (Best You Ever Had)”

“Moves Like Jagger”

“Natural Woman”

“Spend My Life”

“Afterthoughts”

“Close Your Eyes”

“Just A Little Time”

“It Never Rains in Southern California”