IS

SU

E 9

JAN

UA

RY

20

15

For a limited time only, if you subscribe online, you’ll receive our exclusive rate of $69.99. Or get your digital subscription for $29.99. A fusion of jazz, fashion and art, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine is the premiere source for the jazz industry and its artists. Captivating an audience of over 180,000 national and international readers, this quarterly digital and print magazine chronicles the stories behind the hottest and most fascinating artists and trends in the jazz industry. THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. magazine celebrates the jazz genre from a fresh and passionate perspective through dynamic cover stories, trendy blogs, festival/cruise insights, and “Jazz Watch” music reviews on past and present artists.

Happy New Year to all of our supporters, subscribers and fans!

Yes, we survived 2014. In fact, we thrived because of the incredible support, hard work, creativity, and dedication of our support system. I am personally grateful to everyone for their tremendous efforts, and I wish everyone a rewarding, joyous new year. I look forward to working with you in 2015. I’m elated about what we have in store for our readers in 2015. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your print or digital download today! — Musically yours

CEO, THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.

THE

JAZZ

IN M

EE M

AGA

ZIN

E JA

N 2

015

2

4

6

7

8

12

14

16

17

18

23

27

30

28

3331

38

40

36

All rights reserved by Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc. & THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Melody Warren

Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographers

Cover ImageTony Gaines

Design & LayoutTonya D. WrightJereme Brown

Copy EditorAngela P. Moore-Thorpe

THE JAZZ IN M.E.E.P.O. Box 683184Houston, Texas 77268281-260-8469info@thejazzinmee.comwww.thejazzinmee.com

THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. is published 4 times a year quarterly. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, advertisers or staff. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher

Peter BöhiRod CharlesTony GainesHeidi Powell Prera

Alex RussellRoger SteenThirdiimageClaudelle Photography

ContentsSwag M.E.E.

featuring David McLorrenDionneHelium

Black Women In Jazz& The Arts Award

M.E.E. Art GalleryAlexis L.R.

Daughters of JazzSelina Albright & Rochella Brown

2nd Annual Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala

Photographer Spotlight: Rod Charles4 th Annual John Coltrane International

Jazz and Blues Festival

Houston SpotlightAyanna Soulful Rose

Nancy HerkulCurvezz

Ragan WhitesideQuantum Drive

Jazz Watch

Dee Lucas The Smooth Factor

Joe Sample

Tip JarRadio Promotion: Gorov Music Marketing

Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg

Under The Sign With M.E.E.

COVER STORY

Greg ChambersCan’t Help Myself

The Melody in M.E.E.

Carolyn BeverlyPeter BöhiMonica Murphy Eaves

Sharon Rae NorthBronson RockwellAngela P. Moore-Thorpe

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

3

Swag Jazz Shirts

Available in black and white Small to XL .......................$30 2X, 3X ................................$35

Visit THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. storeto purchase yours today. shop.thejazzinmee.com

SHOP.THEJAZZINMEE.COM

Visit our store to purchase popular merchandise that has been spotted on jazz artists and fans across the globe.

David McLorren was spotted showing his swag. Send us pics of you in our swag and we may show your photo in our next issue!

THE

JAZZ

IN M

EE M

AGA

ZIN

E JA

N 2

015

4

World Blue Coming SoonWorld Blue Coming Soon

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

5

Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala2nd Annual

THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. MAGAZINE was proud to be a media sponsor & partner for the 2nd Annual Jazz Legacy Foundation Fundraising Gala that was held on November 14-15, 2014, at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel. It is the mission of the Jazz Legacy Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, to transform young lives through charitable support by way of educational scholarships, creative arts, leadership development, mentoring workshops, and community partnerships, all with the aspirations of enhancing the appreciation and preservation of the art of Jazz. They also create and conduct workshops, mentoring programs with master musicians, and offer educational scholarships to further musical endeavors and development. Alvin Keels and Jeri Horne are doing phenomenal work in Virginia with this amazing organization, the students and the events that accompany their efforts.

This was the ultimate party with a purpose, filled with fundraising, music, art, interesting people and phenomenal entertainment. The Kick Off Party held at Roger Brown’s Sport Bar & Restaurant, Portsmouth, VA, jump started the weekend with music by Smithfield, VA.-based Forte Jazz Band, with Brian Pinner- saxophone; James Ford- piano; Jeffrey Bradby- guitar; Daniel Quackenbush- bass; Darryl Rawlins- drums; Felix Valderrama- percussion; and Shevonne Newby- vocals. The Fuzz Band commenced the musical glitz and glam with their high energy performance demanding everyone’s undivided attention on Friday night, November 14th. Band members Duane Smith- trumpet/leader; Kabana Blaq-Smith- vocals; Naka Madry- vocals; Michon David- vocals; Jason Jennifer- drums; Kevin Brown- congas; Percy Thomas- bass; Aaron Eaddy - guitar and Tavis Simmons- piano, mixed genres of music, keeping it enticing and entertaining.

by Melody Warren

Karen Briggs

photos by Claudelle Photography

THE

JAZZ

IN M

EE M

AGA

ZIN

E JA

N 2

015

6

Alvin Keels and Jerri Horne

Pieces of A Dream set the stage ablaze! This was my first Pieces of A Dream live experience and it was well worth the wait. I remember dancing with my friends to their music in high school. They played many of their hits including Mt. Airy Groove and Fo-Fi-Fo. They had me up on my feet and reliving memories about back in the day. Curtis Harmon on drums was show stopping, and James Lloyd did his incredible walk around the keyboard where he walks around to the back side of the electronic keyboard while continuing to play. The grand finale included the band playing Jimi Hendrix’s classic Purple Haze and then transitioning into The Star Spangled Banner; the crowd went wild. Guess who got the drum sticks after the show...that would be me! Will Downing adorned the stage for the final and headlining performance of the evening. As always, he captivates the crowd with amazing soulful and sexy songs. Women love Will Downing, and men love the women who love Will Downing.The audience sang along throughout the entire sultry performance. Sin for Me and Sexy were great crowd pleasers. I love the way Will and his band gave us the best of Old School jams. The band members and background vocals were on point and consisted of Chris Davis- keys; Joel Tate- drums; Wayne Bruce- guitar; Mark Walker- bass; and Carol Riddick & Fred Sawyers - vocals.

The second sold out show on Saturday night, November 15th, commenced with an artist that always excites me; she has exquisite showmanship and unparalleled talent. Karen Briggs on violin, on stage is monumental every time. Briggs was raised in Portsmouth, and on this special night Mayor Kenny Wright declared, by proclamation, that November 15, 2014, was “Karen Briggs Day”. This Proclamation recognized her contributions, not only to the City of Portsmouth, but also to the world of music. The talented Patrice Rushen joined Briggs on stage playing keys and singing some of her big hits which made for an extraordinary performance for the crowd. Briggs slayed Jean Luc Ponte’s Renais-sance, and Patrice had us reminiscing with Remind Me and Forget Me Nots. The band couldn’t get any better with Cheikh Ndoye-bass; Dan Leonard-guitar; and Marcus Baylor-drums.

Kim Waters and Phil Perry took the stage and were truly unforgettable. They stole the show with their sultry, sexy and engaging per- formance that had the crowd buzzing. Phil did a great rendition of the 1957 Sam Cooke classic You Send Me, which included heart-stopping vocals. Phil also sang Living For The Love Of You, Call Me The Moment You Get There, and the Charlie Wilson classic My love Is All I Have. In a moment of spontaneity, the duo called Monica Murphy Eaves on the stage, had her sit in a chair, and then they both serenaded her; Kim with his flirtatious sax and Phil with his sensuous voice. This intimate gesture was a hit with the crowd. The band included James Waters-bass; Alan Smith- keys; and Andre Webb-drums.

Phil Perry

Kim Waters

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

7

Pieces of a Dream

Fuzz Band

Barbara Ciara

Will Downing

In conclusion, the dynamic songstress Rachelle Ferrell closed the show. She entered the stage in a zone of eclectic demeanor and mystic. The crowd had to warm up to her musical delivery on this evening, but they quickly connected when she performed My Funny Valentine, Autumn Leaves and Where Is God In Your Life. She was backed by the musical support of Brandon Coleman- keys/piano; Billy Odham- guitar; Ricardo Jordon- drums; and Darrell Freeman- bass.

We truly enjoyed this classy fundraising gala, and we invite you to join us next year, where Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Marcus Johnson, El Debarge, Boney James, Rick Braun, Richard Elliott, Maysa, Paul Taylor, and Jackeim Joyner will help raise money for the Jazz Legacy Foundation.

To help this organization accomplish their goals, please visit their website to purchase tickets, donate, sponsor, or support:

www.jazzlegacyfoundation.org

THE

JAZZ

IN M

EE M

AGA

ZIN

E JA

N 2

015

8

Jay Lamont Patrice Rushen

Bridgett Bell, Monica Eaves, Kim Waters, Melody Warren,Tracy Malafarina

photo by Thirdiimage

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

9

THE

JAZZ

IN M

EE M

AGA

ZIN

E JA

N 2

015

10

coma15_Anzeige_jazzinmee.indd 2 27.12.2014 17:16:53

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

11

The Guy Michaels

Morning Show Weekdays 7—11 a.m.

The Jazz Suite

with Jeff Kelley Weekdays 11 a.m.—3 p.m.

Houston Jazz TV FRIDAYS @ 11 p.m. Comcast 17 AT&T U-verse 99 TVMaX 95 Sudden Link 99 Phonoscope 75

Executive Producer—Guy Michaels With Host—Bobby Lyle

Houston’s Jazz Scene

Just Took a Major Hit!

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

13

PHOTO VISIONS BY HEIDIhttp://photovisionsbyheidi.smugmug.com

G L A MGIRLS & GUYS LOVE ARTS & MUSIC

· · ·

Girls & Guys Love Arts & Music (GLAM) is an organization for young girls and boys that is dedicated to the jazz and arts community.

If you are interested in partnering with us, please email us at info@glammee.org

THE

JAZZ

IN M

EE M

AGA

ZIN

E JA

N 2

015

14

WW

W.TH

EJAZZIN

MEE.C

OM

15

BRAND MANAGEMENTIdentity DesignBrand Strategy & ManagementWebsite Design & DevelopmentMarketing (Strategy & Consulting)Social Networking

ARTIST/MUSIC SERVICESTalent BookingTalent DevelopementMixing, Mastering& Digital DistributionRecording Studio

PUBLICITY DEVELOPMENTProgram DesignPress Kits (EPK’s)Media RelationsMedia ToursFeature StoriesNews StoriesBiography CreationPersonal AppearancesPress Releases – DistributionPress Releases – WritingContributed ArticlesSponsorship

PROMOTIONSProgram ExecutionCreative Development Advertising

PUBLICATIONSBrochuresNewsletters THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. Magazine

SPECIAL EVENTSPress Conferences/BriefingsMeetings and SeminarsParties/ Receptions/FundraisersBook/ Artist/ CD signingsGrand OpeningsEvent BookingsCelebrity EventsOn-site Event SupportJazz Events and Festivals

IMAGE/ADVERTISINGDEVELOPMENTPrintRadioTelevisionAd ProductionMedia Buying

IMAGE MANAGEMENTImage ConsultingPhoto ShootsIssue AnalysisCommunity RelationsCrisis ManagementClient Media Training

PROFESSIONAL WRITINGFeature Stories and ColumnsCelebrity ProfilesGhost WritingOriginal Online ContentMarketing and Promotional MaterialsTHE MELODY IN M.E.E. BlogThe Jazzy Limelight Feature

MULTIFACETEDEXQUISITE EVENTS INC.

EVENTS CREATED AS A WORK OF ART

THE

IN M.E.E. radio showAn a�liate of Multifaceted Exquisite Events Inc.

THE

IN M.E.E.

G L A MGIRLS & GUYS LOVE ARTS & MUSIC

WWW. GLAMMEE.ORG

· · ·

THE

IN M.E.E.

WWW.THEJAZZINMEE.COM

M A G A Z I N E