July & August 2006 Welcome to
another issue of our news letter. This
letter is intended to keep our jazz oriented clientele informed of
upcoming events here
at the Van Dyke, home of the JVC Miami Beach
Jazz Festival and year after year, the venue voted “Best
Place For Live Jazz” in
the Miami New Times Magazine.
Since 1994, the performances of Joe Williams, Ceder Walton, George
Coleman, Houston Person, David 'Fathead' Newman, Toots Thielemans, John
Abercrombie, Tania Maria, Tom Harrell, Adam Nussbaum, Slide Hampton, Eddie
Henderson, Frank Wess, James Moody, Randy Brecker, Claudio Roditi, Roseanna
Vitro, Bob DeVos, Claudia Acuna, Brian Lynch, Ken Peplowski, Jeff Brillinger,
Grady Tate, Mark Murphy, Joe LaBarbera, Dena DeRose, Rosa Passos, Pery
Ribeiro, Harry Allen, Norman Simmons, Freddy Cole, Mose Allison, Andy Laverne,
John Bunch, Pee Wee Ellis, Don Friedman, Richie Cole, Scott Hamilton,
Dave Valentin, Mike Renzi, Bob Mover, Tommy Smith, Fred Hersch, Bobby Watson,
Kenny Drew, Jr., Bill Charlap, Ray Vega, John Colianni, Dave Frishberg,
Sammy Figueroa, Vincent Herring, Barry Ries, Gerry Brown, Eric Alenander,
John Hicks, Danny Gottlieb, Bobby Shew, Duduka da Fonseca, Maucha Adnet,
as well as the performances of our regularly scheduled musicians,
serve to re-affirm that the Van Dyke is dedicated to bringing
you the best live jazz in South Florida.
It isn't very often that a vocal talent emerges who can literally do
it all and exceptionally well. Beverly Barkley is such a talent.
Raised in Miami, Beverly has success singing R&B, rock and roll, country
and western, jazz standards, blues and top 40.
From the age of seven, Beverly studied voice with Gina Merreth. She
was a member of the vocal group "The Mystic Five", patterned after The
Jackson Five. Their agent, Leo Carter, booked them in South Florida where
they captured the hearts of audiences at Miami's National Guard Armory,
Double Deck Club, The Continental and Sir John Night Beat, in Overtown.
They also performed in Bermuda, Nassau and Trinidad. As an opening act,
they appeared at concerts with The Staple Singers, Jackie Wilson and James
Brown at the Miami Jai-Alai Fronton.
When the group dissolved in 1975, Beverly began modeling. She received
an AA at Miami-Dade Community College. In 1978, she embarked upon her brilliant
jazz career with saxophonist Jet Nero. During this time, she performed
with another group, The Cherrystones, which had a more contemporary flavor.
They performed at the Cricket Club and at Turnberry Isles, in Miami.
Beverly's delivery of a song is mesmerizing. Her variations in tonal
quality and technical mastery are phenomenal. Inspired by her Uncle Rueben
Mitchell, the first black jazz pianist to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show,
Beverly has developed into a professional performer. She toured the Playboy
Club circuit, in the eighties, with a group called Togetherness. She sang
rock and roll with The Wright Brothers Band in Key West, Fort Walton Beach,
Columbia, South Carolina and Columbus, Georgia. Beverly's first disco record,
entitled "I want To Go Home With You", was recorded in 1985, with Togetherness.
Later, she appeared at Cye's Rivergate, in downtown Miami. Since 1985,
Beverly has appeared with such notable musicians as:
Michael Gillis at the Pier House and Full Moon Saloon in Key West
Ernie Goldsmith at Topsider's, in Hollywood
Pete Minger at the R&R Club, The Helm, Studio One
Billy Marcus at Greenstreets, in Coral Gables, and O'Hara's, Fort Lauderdale
Jimmy Crawford at Hotel Intercontinental
The Beverly Barkley Quartet appeared, at the Flamingo Room at Hotel
Intercontinental, in 1987. She continues to exhibit her unique vocal talent
at JAZID in Miami Beach and Champagne's in North Miami.
Described by her fans as "the female Al Jarreau," Beverly attributes
her jazz stylings to her mentors - Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy
Wilson and Sarah Vaughn, whom she considers to have "the most unique voice
of all." She also credits Barbara Streisand and Dionne Warwick with influencing
her style. She adores Michael Jackson as a great entertainer. "I just like
all music, as long as it sounds good," she asserts. Beverly really makes
ALL music sound good!
Beverly's future goals include a compact disk of standards and originals.
She has a burning desire to produce a musical learning tape and video for
children in of all ages. She hopes to tour Europe and Latin America where
she believes that the issue of color will not be a hindrance as it is in
the United States.
Felipe Lamoglia is a saxophonist, composer, and arranger.
Born in Holguin, Cuba, he started his musical education at age of 7. After
completing his studes at the Superior Institute of Musica in Habana, he
went to Brasil in 1992 and lived there for 9 years. He performed
with well-known musicians, including with Hermeto Pascual and taught at
the the College of Music, Sao PauloUniversity. In 2000 he moved
to United State where he has been performing and recording with Arturo
Sandoval. Two years ago he joined Gonzalo Rubalcaba, founding
the New Cuban quartet, and recorded the album "Paseo" which has just
been nominated for a Grammy. With Gonzalo, he has been traveling
the country, performing at Lincon Center's new club "Dizzy's Coca Cola
Club". Currently, he is beginning his own musical project based in
his compositions which will examine Afro-Cuban and Brasilian music, incorporating
the jazz tradition of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter etc.
Born in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, Mariana Martin is a consequence
of the Bossa Nova movement. American mother and Brazilian father she lived
most of her life between the USA and Brazil. She started her singing
career at age 18 in Rio singing Brazilian Jazz at the popular local clubs
of Rio. She studied music at the Brazilian conservatory of music
in Rio de Janeiro and Dick Grove School of Music in LA.
She is now based in Miami and is in the process of launching
her new album "Forbidden Fruit" that is better described as a fusion of
her American and Brazilian heritage.
Harry Allen - It Don't Mean A Thing
Gene Lees writes, "Stan Getz was once asked his idea of the perfect
tenor saxophone soloist. His answer was, 'My technique, Al Cohn's ideas,
and Zoot's time.' The fulfillment of that ideal may well be embodied in
thirty-year-old Harry Allen."
BMG recording artist Harry Allen has over twenty recordings to
his name. Three of Harry's CDs have won Gold Disc Awards from Japan's Swing
Journal Magazine, and his CD Tenors Anyone? won both the Gold Disc Award
and the New Star Award. His recordings have made the top ten list for favorite
new releases in Swing Journal Magazine's reader's poll and Jazz Journal
International's critic's poll for 1997, and Eu Nao Quero Dancar (I Won't
Dance), the third Gold Disc Award winner, was voted second for album of
the year for 1998 by Swing Journal Magazine‚s reader‚s poll.
Harry has performed at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide, frequently
touring the United States, Europe, and the Far East. He has performed with
Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Hank Jones, Frank Wess, Flip Phillips, Scott
Hamilton, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, John Pizzarelli,
Bucky Pizzarelli, Gus Johnson, Jeff Hamilton, Terry Gibbs, Warren Vache,
and has recorded with Tony Bennett, Johnny Mandel, Ray Brown, Tommy Flanagan,
James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Kenny Barron, Dave McKenna, Dori Caymmi, Larry
Goldings, George Mraz, Jake Hanna, and Al Foster, among others.
Dmitry Klevenskey Trio
Visiting family in Miami in 2005 from his home in Kaliningrad, an obscure
corner of Russia sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania (the former German
city of Königsberg), Dmitriy sat in on a jam session at Churchill's
and was an immediate hit with patrons and musicians alike. He was invited
by many to sit in on other gigs, making a splash at Gil's Café,
Solo on the Bay, and other venues. People just love his music.
We followed him home! In Warsaw we went for dinner at Klub Tygmont,
one of the most prestigious jazz clubs in Europe, where artists such as
Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock perform regularly when on European tours.
While relative unknowns do not perform there, we were there on an off night
and Dmitriy was invited up to play. He brought down the house, and was
invited back for a performance on February 14, 2006. That, too, was a smash
hit, and we expect he'll be seen there again.
While back in Kaliningrad, Dmitriy and some colleagues cut a CD which
included "Chicken", the Pee Wee Ellis funk tune. When Ellis heard it he
said he looked forward to playing with Dmitriy.
Don Wilner - Selections From A Carmen Fantasy
REPRINTED FROM:
Miami New Times MagazineBest of Miami Classically trained on the bass, Don Wilner may seem like a
musical nerd. He holds a doctorate in music from the University of Miami
(where he taught for many years) and he has published numerous articles
about jazz performance and pedagogy. But when he plays in the Van Dyke
Café's upstairs bar, he reveals himself to be the heppest of hepcats,
a jazz man through and through. As the Van Dyke's musical coordinator,
he keeps the room humming seven days a week. As in-house bassist he's there
more often than not, playing along with some of the hottest names in the
jazz world: Mose Allison, Mark Murphy, Johnny O'Neal, and Grady Tate to
name a few. Whether accompanying greats, performing with the members of
his own hard-bop ensemble (currently fielding offers from major record
labels), or letting loose on a solo during a performance by his trio (James
Martin and Mark Marineau), Wilner swings, sways, grooves, takes it seriously,
takes it fun, grimaces, smiles, sweats, and gives the impression he's loving
every minute of it. His recently released album, the eclectic Mysterious
Beauty, features jazzy takes on classical tunes (themes from Georges Bizet's
opera Carmen), standards (Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust" and Harold Arlen's
"Ill Wind"), and bebop classics (Charlie Parker's "Dexterity") and recently
earned a rave review from the esteemed Jazz Times magazine.
Don Wilner- bassist, performs in both the classical and jazz
genres. He earned a Doctorate in music at the University of Miami, was
the Principle Bassist and a featured soloist with the Palm Beach Pops,
and the Assistant Principle Bassist with the Miami City Ballet for many
years.
Don can be heard on his CD's- Figments of my Imagination, Mysterious
Beauty, Eddie Higgins’ Picture in Black & White, and Annette
Sanders collaboration with Mike Renzi, Everything I Love, as well
as on many other recordings. He is the author of several articles on jazz
bass, including "Interactive Jazz Improvisation in the Bill Evan’s Trio."
Don was named "Best Jazz Musician" in Miami New Times MagazineBest of Miami Issue.
An outstanding accompanist and soloist, he has performed and recorded
with George Coleman, Maureen McGovern, Mark Murphy, Carmen McRae, James
Moody, Ceder Walton, Tom Harrell, Fred Hersch, Toots Theilmans, Hubert
Laws, Eddie Harris, Dizzy Gelespie, Nat Adderley, Peter Nero, Harry Allen,
Scott Hamilton, John Abercrombie, Michell LeGrand, Marion McPartland, and
many others.
Dr. Wilner is the Director of Musical Entertainment at the Van Dyke
Cafe. Named Best Jazz Musician in Miami New Times Best of Miami. Dr. Wilner
takes pride in his music program at the Van Dyke, which New Times labeled
Best Jazz Club in Miami
"Wilner is one of the rare symphony musicians capable of first-rate
jazz. His solos and interchanges . . . are lovely, and his upper-range
arco playing has the vocal-like quality of a ‘cello. Much of the program
(with Higgins) has a Blanton-Ellington feel, rather than the usual ‘piano
with rhythm’." critic Art Hilgart
Doug Ramsey, the well-known music critic for Jazz Times Magazine, wrote
"Wilner is an astonishing bass player whether bowing, walking, interacting
. . . or covering the instrument from top to bottom in his pizzicato solos.
His purity of tone and breadth of technique may come from his classical
background. They are matched by a time feeling achieved only by musicians
with a bone-deep jazz sensibility."
"Jazz critics like to carve up their chosen terrain into two diametrically
opposed camps: musicians who play straight-ahead, and those who play "free."
Miami saxophonist Jesse Jones, Jr., chooses to fudge this divide,
and it's precisely that versatility that makes him such a delight to hear.
Witness his occasional ensemble gigs at the Van Dyke Café. The band
may start out on a faithful Cannonball Adderly-styled tip, casually working
its way through some pleasant finger-snapping material. But just when you've
eased back in your chair and gotten comfy, Jones will blow a playfully
outré lick, simultaneously raising an eyebrow at the audience while
slipping in a series of discordant honks to summon the group to take it
up a notch. We're about to go somewhere special, Jones seems to be saying
to the room, and you're all invited to come along. "
Thirty years on the road (and at home), Jesse Jones, Jr. has
earned the nickname Jazzy J.R. from his legions of fans in the southeastern
United States. A hard-swinging reed player, Jesse is equally at-ease
on the alto, soprano and baritone saxophones, as well as flute. He combines
the hard-bop influence of Cannonball Adderley, the funk of Hank Crawford,
and the sweetness of Paul Desmond. Their influences may be detected within
Jesse's most original riffs.
Add to that some of the most unusual "scat" jazz singing when
Jesse sings "straight" or through his horns, and the jazz audiences go
wild. The humor is international in scope since these are not words but
rather sounds that move and groove with the music. His ability to captivate
the audience with the classics, and adapt them to his own swinging interpretations,
is legendary.
Beatriz Malnic, born in Brazil, graduated in music at Sao Paulo
University, where she studied singing, composition, choir conducting and
piano. She worked with the composer, guitar player and partner of Vinicius
de Moraes (Girl from Ipanema) Toquinho, in tournees in South America, Italy,
Germany and Spain. Worked with artists like Chico Buarque, Lucio Dalla
and Roberto Menescal.
Living now in the United States, Florida, for 10 years, she performs
in jazzclubs , local events and international festivals, singing Brazilian
jazz, sambas and American standards. In October 2002 she performed in the
Broward Center for the Performing Arts with Joao Bosco and Toquinho.
Her first CD of bossa-nova and samba songs was produced by Roberto
Menescal for Warner Music of Brazil, programmed by Nelson Motta.
Her recent CD with Don Wilner and Mike Orta , "Estrada do Sol"
is going to be released in August 2006.
With Loren Dae, Beatriz created a Brazilian female vocal ensemble,
the "Brazilian Voices " that performs in local events and was awarded in
2003 , 2004, 2005 the Brazilian International Press Award for outstanding
group in the US. Their CD "Brazilian Voices" was released in May 2005.
Their performance at the Broward Center brought tears to the eyes of the
honorary composer in attendance, Mr. Ivan Lins.
Since appearing on local TV shows as a young girl to tours of Europe
and the Mediterranean, the smooth, intoxicating, transforming voice of
Doris Spears continues to win the heart of many a music enthusiast.
Having forged her instrument with iconic players on a continuum from Jazz:
Lionel Hampton and Von Freeman, to Blues: Lefty Bates Delta Blues Band,
and Joe Zook’s Blues Deluxe, the singer credits these affiliations as priceless
in the grass roots foundation, and professionalism that she has acquired
in her evolution; both as a musician, and as a lyricist. Her shows,
whether in a small intimate room, or a stadium are always described as
“fun, engaging, uplifting. “At my performances” she says, “I am not happy
until I see three things at work: a tapping foot, a soulful sway, and the
utter joy in the air that only dynamic music has the power to evoke.”
With three highly praised CD’s to her credit, “The Duchess” recorded with
legendary guitarist Paul Weeden Sr. in Oslo Norway, and “9 Fold Muse-Blues
for Grown Folks,” Doris exemplifies the ease and richness with which she
expresses and builds upon the diverse Jazz/Blues Tradition. However, it
is “Doris Spears-The Duchess: Jazz & Juke Joints” her most recent release
that is closest to the quintessential Doris Spears; not only for sheer
vocal beauty but as an interpreter/story teller of songs of the first order.
Watch Billy Ross & Mike Levine- click here Billy Ross and Mike Levine have been making music together for
over 30 years. The two meet in the middle 70's while attending the U M
School of Music. Shortly after, they formed the Ross-Levine Band which
was one of the early jazz fusion groups. Their national release "That Summer
Something"
placed them on the jazz on AOR Stations in the top 10 for over 6 weeks.
Ross went on to record 2 solo albums with the help of Levine on the Fantasy
Label, which showcased Ross's straight ahead style. Now back together,
the two and their quartet are performing a combination of standards and
originals all done in the groups unique musical style ......keeping in
it musical.
The Van
Dyke Cafe is South Florida's ONLY
full-time (365 day per year) jazz venue!
"Miami's Preeminent Jazz Site"-
Downbeat Magazine “Miami’s lifeline for jazz!” “Top Notch”- Howard
Cohen, Miami Herald. "Best Jazz Venue”- Sun
Post "Best Jazz Club"- Miami
New Times "South Flordia's Premiere Jazz
Club"- Matt Schudel, Fort lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
The Van Dyke Does It Again . . . Miami New Times Magazine chooses-
The Van Dyke Cafe
Winner- Best Jazz Club for the 2005 best of Miami Issues "Under the able musical direction of bassist Don Wilner, Upstairs at
the Van Dyke remains Miami's premier jazz club. No other venue comes
close in terms of consistency -- 365 days per year. (Check the
Website for calendars and newsletters.) And in terms of consistently
high quality, nothing can match the club's rotating cast of regulars:
Wilner, Mike Orta, Rose Max, Wendy Pedersen, Sammy Figueroa, . .
. If they're not onstage, you'll likely find a well-known visiting
artist. Among those Wilner has brought to the comfortable room above Mark
Soyka's landmark café: John Abercrombie, Eric Alexander, Harry Allen,
Mose Allison, Freddy Cole, George Coleman, Kenny Drew, Eddie Henderson,
John Hicks, Tania Maria, James Moody, Mark Murphy, Houston Person, Norman
Simmons, Grady Tate, Toots Thielemans, and Cedar Walton. "
REPRINTED FROM NEW TIMES MAY 12, 2005
Spotlight on upcoming special guests . .
.
Chuck Redd is a seasoned performer on both drums and vibraphone.
He is currently the 2004-2005 Artist-In-Residence at The Smithsonian Jazz
Café in Washington,DC. Chuck began performing internationally when
he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio in 1980 at the age of 21. That year, he
joined the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis.)
To his credit are twelve extensive European tours and five tours of Japan,
with the Barney Kessel Trio, Ken Peplowski, Terry Gibbs and Conte Candoli.
Redd's career as a featured artist has earned critical acclaim:
Chuck was featured vibraphonist with the Mel Torme All-Star Jazz Quintet
from 1991 until 1996. While on tour with Torme, Ira Gitler of Jazz Times
said: "Redd's vibes were equally notable for vigor and melodiousness."
Jazz Times also praised Redd's playing on Charlie Byrd's 1999 release,
My Inspiration calling his vibes work, "Exquisite! "
He has toured and performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, Tommy Flanagan,
Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Laurindo Almeida, Tal Farlow, Red Norvo, Scott
Hamilton, Dr. Billy Taylor, Marian McPartland, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Terry
Gibbs, and Joe Wilder to name a few.
Redd is featured on over 50 recordings. Recent releases include his
own Arbors CD, "All This and Heaven Too", featuring Gene Bertoncini and
George Mraz, "The Swing Kings", an all-star session featuring Bucky and
John Pizzarelli, Ray Kennedy and Ken Peplowski, and Gypsy Soul, with Frank
Vignola and Joe Byrd. He can also be heard on the sound track to the popular
PBS television series, "The Great Chefs, and the NPR broadcast "Jazz Smithsonian."
Chuck's most noteworthy performances include an appearance with the
Dizzy Gillespie Quintet in Africa for the Namibian Independence Day Celebration,
a recital at the White House with the Barney Kessel Trio, concerts at Carnegie
Hall with Mel Torme, and the Tonight Show.
In addition to leading his own group and ensembles with his brother,
pianist Robert Redd, Chuck is currently a member of the Smithsonian Jazz
Masterworks Orchestra and frequently performs in New York City with many
artists. In addition to performing, he has presented educational workshops
and lectures around the country.
Chuck's brand new Arbors release is "Happy All The Time," a tribute
to his mentor, Barney Kessel. The CD features Monty Alexander, Jeff Hamilton,
Howard Alden, Gene Bertoncini, Robert Redd and Hassan Shakur.
A Tribute to the Great American
Songbook with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra's Vocalist Walt Andrus and the Don Wilner Trio
Buddy Morrow And His Orchestra featuring Walt Andrus- Blue Skies
Walt Andrus' star began to rise with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra-
conducted by Buddy Morrow- as the vocalist, beginning in 1988. Walt has
performed Internationally on land and sea. Walt began his musical training
quite young and was playing tenor sax with Big Bands at age 12. Singing
began at 17 with local jazz groups. Famed trombonist Buddy Morrow
called Walt to 'fill in' with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1986.
In January of 1988 Walt joined The Dorsey Orchestra full time. A great
combination was born. Walt's smooth phrasing on ballads and swinging style
paired with Buddy's incredible trombone inspired comparisons to Frank Sinatra
and Tommy Dorsey at their best! During Andrus' tenure with the Dorsey organization,
Walt was also entrusted to LEAD the Orchestra during Buddy's absences to
GREAT reviews! Maintaining the Dorsey tradition of excellence and adding
his own personal flair!
FROM MIAMI NEW TIMES (5/12/05)
BEST PIANO MAN
He's toured and recorded with Arturo Sandoval and alternated tracks
with jazz legend Chick Corea. He's played with Paquito D'Rivera and in
Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra. And his day gig is director
of jazz studies at Florida International University. But most nights you
can find him tickling the keys at the Van Dyke Café. Mike Orta
is the solid backbone for any performer or ensemble who hits the stage,
whether local chanteuse Rose Max or touring titan Toots Thielemans. But
when it's Orta's time to turn a solo, the notes fly from his fingers in
breathtaking order, a transcendent bop of ivory that leaves admirers agape,
headliners upstaged, and bandleaders shaking their heads. Orta's amazingly
creative improvisations and virtuosic technique have made for many memorable
moments in Miami jazz.
Michael Orta has been very active on the jazz scene. He recorded
two albums with his jazz/fusion group, "The Wave," on the Atlantic Jazz
record label. This outfit also displayed his compositional abilities. In
1991, Michael toured as keyboardist for the Arturo Sandoval group as well
as recording on Sandoval's American debut album on GRP, Flight To
Freedom. With this group. Michael toured throughout the United States,
Canada, Latin America, and Europe. In 1993, Michael was chosen as one of
five finalist in the prestigious Great American Jazz Piano Competition.
He was selected out of a field of one hundred entrants from around the
world. In 1994, Michael spent the year touring and recording with the Paquito
D'Rivera group. He played concerts and clubs in Trinidad, Curaçao,
Mexico, Puerto Rico, Paris, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Greece,
Holland, and Slovenia. Michael has performed and/or recorded with some
of the major names in jazz: Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl, Eddie Daniels, James
Moody, Toots Thielmans, Larry Coryell, and the list goes on. Michael has
also been an active clinician, sharing his musical knowledge and philosophies
with music students in the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Costa Rica. Mike is
Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies/Piano at Florida International University
teaching jazz piano, jazz improvisation, and directing both jazz and salsa
ensembles.
Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion
Sammy Figueroa- Syncopa O No
"Beginning his love affair with percussion at the seemingly late age
of eighteen didn't set Sammy Figueroa back one bit. His unshakable
sense of tempo and astounding ability to improvise clearly indicated that
playing percussive instruments was his destiny. He would go on to perform
with an eclectic roster of musical superstars including Miles Davis, Chet
Baker, David Bowie, Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion. With partner
Rachel Faro, he'd produce records for Cuban a cappella group Vocal Sampling
and Puerto Rican cuatro player Yomo Toro. A onetime resident of California
and New York, Figueroa packed up his congas and his stellar credentials
to live in South Florida two years ago. He's been making his rhythmic presence
known ever since, sitting in with the occasional jazz combo, showing up
from time to time alongside young hipsters like DJ Le Spam and the Spam
Allstars. Recently the combustible conguero formed the appropriately
named Latin Jazz Explosion featuring Carlos Averhoff, Grammy Award winner
and nineteen-year veteran of Cuban fusion band Irakere, on saxophone along
with Mike Orta on piano, Nick Orta on bass. The Explosion may just blast
itself right out of South Florida, so enjoy the beat master while he's
still ours. " from Miami New Times Magazine
Sammy Figueroa has long been regarded as one of the greatest percussionists
in the musical world. He has played on countless records, providing
the rhythmical framework for hundreds of hits. Well-known for his
versatility and professionalism, he is one of the few percussionists equally
comfortable in a multitude of styles, from R & B to rock to pop to
bebop to Latin to New Age. Featuring John Lovell on trumpet, John Michalak
on tenor & flute, Mike Orta on piano, Nick Orta on electric bass.
Kenny Drew with Don Wilner- I Should Care
Kenny Drew Jr. was born in New York City in 1958. He started
music lessons at the age of four. Kenny Jr. has performed worldwide with
a comprehensive variety of musicians, including Stanley Jordan, Stanley
Turrentine, Slide Hampton, the Mingus Big Band, Steve Grossman, Yoshiaki
Masuo, Sadao Watanabe, and many others. Kenny Drew Jr. was the winner of
the 1990 Great American jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville FL. He has
appeared as a leader at many major festivals, including the Jacksonville
Jazz Festival, Kyoto Jazz Festival, Savannah on Stage Festival, Clearwater
Jazz Festival, and the Newark Jazz Festival. Kenny has also performed as
leader at many major jazz clubs around the country, such as Bradley's (NY),
Visiones (NY), The Blue Note (NY), Blues Alley (DC), Fat Tuesday's (NY),
The VIllage Gate (NY), and many others. He has recorded nine albums
as a leader and has also made numerous recordings as a sideman. Within
the last couple of years, Kenny has performed at concerts & in clubs
with: The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, the Faddis/Hampton/Heath Sextet,
Steve Turre, Jack Walrath, David Sanchez, Jack Wilkins, Michael Mossman,
Ronnie Cuber, Steve Slagle, and Marlena Shaw.
LeNard Rutledge- Our Love Is Here To Stay
LeNard Rutledge and DonWilner - The Days of Wine and Roses
Captivating, soul stirring, earthy and funky. These are just some of
the words used to describe the song styles of LeNard Rutledge. Growing
up in Miami, Florida, LeNard was always surrounded by many different musical
styles. It was college when LeNard began to get serious about music.
In 1992, LeNard contributed three songs to the Stanley Baird CD, (Stop,
Look, Listen), Saxony Records. In 1995, LeNard submitted two of those
songs to the Billboard Songwriting Contest. His song, So In Love (with
you) placed in the 1% of 50,000 R&B entries. In October 1997, LeNard
auditioned as a vocalist for the Melton Mustafa Orchestra. He got the gig
and is still performing with the band. LeNard has been a featured vocalist
at area Jazz spots in South Florida. LeNard is currently recording his
first solo CD.
Wendy Pedersen is a singer whose mixture of sensual jazz and
high energy blues has made her a South Florida favorite. She was awarded
the Southern Bell Pace jazz artist of the year, as well as being named
best female rock vocalist by the New Times. Wendy's album credits include
Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias. She also has
her own cd called "Me + Three" and is currently in the studio recording
another one.
Bob DeVos
Bob DeVos - Driftin'
Bob DeVos is a musically mature and versatile guitarist, composer,
and arranger. He is equally at home with rhythm and blues and straight-ahead
jazz. His CDs as a leader for Savant and Blues Leaf Records
have earned high praise and many stars in the current Downbeat and throughout
the jazz media, hailing Bob as “the thinking man’s guitar hero” and “a
brilliant bebop player.” He heads his own trio and is an active freelancer
on the New York scene. In recent years he has performed at the Kennedy
Center, The Blue Note, Iridium, SMOKE, and numerous national and international
festivals, including the JVC in Miami.
Guitarist Jorge Garcia brings all the
richness of Latin rhythms from his birthplace of Cuba into the folds of
this ensemble. Garcia's intense passion for his instrument is immediately
visible and equally audible through his soulful original compositions.
Impeccable, melodic solos and supportive, rhythmic guitar work are Garcia's
trademarks and are always a joy to experience. As a matter of fact, Garcia's
sensitivity to his fellow musicians is uncharacteristic in the land of
the 'lead guitarist'.
Garcia has performed with great talent
the likes of Tony Bennett, Richie Cole, Patti Page and Joel Grey to name
a few. He has also performed with pop artists such as Enrique Iglesias,
Trini Lopez, The Drifters, Bobby Riddell and many more. Some of his early
influences are Wes Montgomery, Joe Diorio, Pat Martino and Django Reinhardt.
Jorge Garcia studied with Vincent Bredice and Joseph Iadone at the age
of 17. Garcia has recorded with Athenas Jazz Art, Carlos Oliva, Pete Minger
and his newest recording with Federico Britos.
Federico Britos Winner of several Grammy awards for his work with Charlie Haden, Bebo
Valdes and Israel “Cacha” Lopez, Federico Britos is regarded as a titan
of the violin. Born in Uruguay, he has served as principal chair, soloist,
and ultimately Concertmaster with some of the finest symphony orchestras
of the world. He has also performed with jazz legends like Duke Ellington,
Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Byrd and many others.
Also, with some of Latin America´s greatest musicians, such as Astor
Piazzolla, Joao Gilberto, Vinicius de Moraes, Zitarrosa, Bola de Nieve,
Jose Antonio Mendez, Luis Miguel and Juan Luis Guerra.
As a composer, Federico has written and recorded many works for orchestra,
chamber ensemble, ballet and dance. He has also composed music for films,
TV and theatre.
Call them Traditional. Call them Avante garde. Latin, Jazz
or Salsa. Led by Singer , songwriter and composer Jose Conde, they
are a versatile and fresh new wave of original Cuban roots music. Jose
Conde y Ola Fresca's recently released debut record, AY! QUE RICO
(Ooh! So good) serves up a spirited celebration in rhythm and song which
smoothly and subtlely departs from traditional Cuban music incorporating
contemporary elements such as Funk, Jazz. Produced by Conde and released
in June 2004 on his own PiPiKi Records,the CD has garnered the group much
well-deserved international attention and respect. The album
is praised as “innovative, highly danceable, pleasantly cerebral” (Ed Morales,
New York Newsday), the band described as “superb” (descarga.com), and the
songs are “sung by Conde with the natural grace of the best soneros with
a touch of contemporary elegance” (Miguel Sirgado, El Nuevo Herald).
“Using a tool palate full of Afro-Cuban styles – son, changui, songo-funk,
mambo, and timba – sautéed with a modern twist on a low, steady
flame, Conde provides atmosphere and spice with a cool, unwavering intelligence
and vision” (descarga.com). “Ay! Qué Rico is a quintessential Cuban
phrase for anything delicious -- whether music, sensual pleasure, food
or good times. And it pretty much says it all about this unexpectedly captivating,
independently produced gem …”.(Jordan Levin, Miami Herald) Mixed by multiple
Grammy winner, Jon Fausty, Ay! Que Rico beautifully captures a live, natural
sound and utilizes configurations of Ola Fresca that range from a quintet
to a 15-piece orchestra. JC y OF’s debut album reflects Conde’s broad
musical vocabulary and eclectic aesthetics. AY! QUE RICO is a tour de force
and homage to his dual musical legacies Cuba and the US. The record layers
live sections of percussion, horns and voices held together by picaresque
humor expressed in the lyric as well as the music. While 11 songs include
familiar son, mambo and cha cha cha rhythms as well as the island’s lesser-known
Changüí, there are also 2 new rhythms and an additional bonus
track featuring a remix of Conde’s Perez Prado-esque mambo “Bolitas de
Arroz con Pollo” by DJ LeSpam of the Spam Allstars. Jose Conde y
Ola Fresca are consistently featured at many major Latin and World music
venues including (in NY) SOB’s, Copacabana, Joe’s Pub, Nell’s, El
Museo del Barrio, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Zinc Bar, The Rainbow Room; (in
Miami) Hoy Como Ayer, I/O Club, and Café Nostalgia. The band
is a popular choice for music festivals, performing at Hudson Riverfest,
Manhattan River-to-River Festival, New York-Miami Latin Funk Festival,
Long Island Music Festival, South Street Seaport Festival and the prestigious
JAS Labor Day Festival in Aspen, where they opened up for Bob Dylan and
shared the stage with such notables as Angelique Kidjo, Willie Nelson,
Macy Gray, and Phil Lesh. The band was proclaimed the festival’s
“biggest surprise” (Dirty Linen Magazine) for their excellent performance.
The band has also opened for widely known artists such as Albita, Yerba
Buena, and Jose Alberto “El Canario".
