Aretha Franklin

Musical Director Ray Chew has performed at the helm of award winning musical events with the world’s most popular artists including Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Prince, Justin Beiber, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, Ludacris, Barry Manilow, Queen Latifah, James Taylor, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jennifer Hudson and Quincy Jones. Now in his second …

Warren Shadd is a second generation piano technician and third generation musician. He has per formed and toured worldwide in every aspect of live and recorded musc with hundreds of celebrities in the entertainment industry. On drums, at the early age of four, he played his first of many jazz …

Since her debut in 2004, Nicole Henry has established herself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists.  Ms. Henry possesses a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.  Her repertoire includes the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz titles,  contemporary’ standards, blues, and originals; …

Oya Thomas has spent her life delighting in the freeing, connective force of music. The beginning of her musical and spiritual journey can be traced back to Oya’s earliest experiences – joyful impressions that have added a genuine playfulness to her work’s mantra even as she matures as an artist. …

Darryl Tookes is a prolific composer, lyricist, pianist, singer and arranger who is recognized throughout the music world as a truly original, uncompromising artist. Upon graduating from high school, Mr. Tookes received a full scholarship to study physics at Florida A&M University, which he accepted, and graduated in three years …

  I often wonder if, as a young boy growing up on E. 85th and Quincy in Cleveland, Ohio, sneaking licks on his father’s precious guitar, Bobby Womack even imagined the impact he would have on the music industry. Womack or “Mr. Womagic” as the old heads still call him, …

Brenda Russell has a timeless style that has kept her in demand for nearly thirty-five years. This singer is also a prolific songwriter and her lyrics have transcended several genres of music. Her songs have been recorded by nearly fifty artists. She has also collaborated with countless individuals in the …

Robert Hurst has been one of the most in-demand bass players in Jazz for the past quarter century. And he has done extensive stints in the bands of Wynton Marsalis, Tony Williams, Branford Marsalis, Charles Lloyd, Chris Botti, and Diana Krall. Hurst also is an Associate Professor of Music at …

Though Paul Jackson Jr. never got to meet or work with Wes Montgomery, one of his chief guitar influences, he has forged professional relationships with all the others who touched his formative years, including Earl Klugh, George Benson, Ray Parker Jr., Al McKay and Lee Ritenour. Since breaking into the Los Angeles …

Nicole Henry has created a niche for herself as an acclaimed jazz vocalist, but only after hard work and dedication. Henry began her journey in Bucks County, PA singing in school and church and studying the cello and ballet. This background was great preparation for the future she had in …

In a career that includes ten Grammy-Awards, multiple platinum albums, and an influence immeasurable in scope, all I can think about is “Be Bop Medley.” It seems strange, I know. Here we are celebrating four decades of Chaka Khan and for whatever reason my mind is fixated on this solitary …

He began singing in the church choir at the age of 3 years old in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over 30 years in the business, dozens of music awards, 6 Grammy nominations and the 2009 Soul Train Icon Award, Charlie Wilson, former lead singer of the legendary funk group, The GAP …