Chanté Moore: In the Moment
It’s no surprise that most singing artists have a foundation of singing in the church. Chanté Moore is no exception. Born in San Francisco, California, and raised in San Diego, Moore – the daughter of a minister, decided she would sing fulltime after playing Dorothy in her high-school’s rendition of …
Will Downing: Celebrating Silver
Celebrating 25-years as a professional musician, Will Downing continues to please his audiences around the world with his distinct baritone vocals. Downing is a vocalist, songwriter, and producer. He has also published Unveiled Series I, which showcases his photography. This Brooklyn, NY native has established himself as one of the …
Jamar Jones: Directing the Arts for The Potter’s House
A Philadelphia native, Jamar Jones is considered by some to be a child music prodigy. He performed his own composition at the age of four and by the age of thirteen, he was playing session music in the studio for Boyz II Men. This pianist, composer, songwriter, arranger and producer …
Vanessa Rubin: Sheer Wisdom and a Depth of Experience
Vanessa Rubin is a jazz vocalist, composer, producer, and actress who has graced the jazz scene since the early 80s. She has worked with Etta Jones, Frank Foster, Lewis Nash, Patience Higgins, Kenny Burrell, Grover Washington Jr, and Steve Turre to name a few. Rubin studied under Barry Harris at …
4th Annual Montclair Jazz Festival
A day of exceptional music is in store for New Jersey metropolitan area residents at the 4th annual Montclair Jazz Festival, Saturday, August 17th in Nishuane Park, from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. This year’s festival, supported in part by Stage Sponsor City National Bank, will feature a host of …
CD Review: Derrick Hodge’s Live Today
What separates artists like Herman Melville or Vincent Van Gogh from other artists of their time? Moby Dick, one of the most cherished works of American literature, was a piece of art that practically ruined Melville’s reputation during his lifetime. One of the most celebrated post-impressionist in history, Van Gogh, …
Jason Moran: The Modern Maestro
Jason Moran is a Houston, Texas-born pianist and composer. His eclectic styling has led to a successful run of over fifteen years, as both sideman and band leader. In this time, Moran has received considerable praise for his fluid play, which encompasses various styles, blending them into one definably distinctive …
Patrice Rushen: Being First is Overrated
There is a heavy burden with being a trailblazer or provocateur of change in anything. You have to endure a great deal of pain, doubt – self-inflicted or otherwise – and obstacles, often thanklessly and usually for the sole purpose of making things easier for those who come behind you. …
CD Review: Joshua Redman Walking Shadows
Joshua Redman is one of today’s most prolific saxophone players. For those who don’t already know, this California based saxophonist has played with the likes of Elvin Jones, Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Paul Motion, and Charlie Haden just to name a few. Since his emergence on the jazz scene during …
Author Wil Haygood: The Prize of Persistence
Wil Haygood, acclaimed author, heralded journalist, and writer/associate producer of the soon to be released Lee Daniels’ directed film, The Butler, is proof that persistence is one of the crucial components needed to take an idea from a mere hunch to a life defining moment. Consequently, the prize of his …
Claude McKnight: Still in Harmony 25 Years Later
In 1980, Claude McKnight formed Take 6, an acapella gospel jazz group. The members are: Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley. Seven years after their beginning on the campus of Oakwood University, Take 6 signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records and …