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BACKBEAT R&B PICKS YOU CAN DO FOR VALENTINES DAY!

by BELINDA February 8, 2019

written by BELINDA

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and what are your plans for that special someone in your life? There are so many things that you can do. Who doesn’t love an affordable elegant night to share, and intimate evening with some great food, music, and dancing! Come enjoy a night of love and romance with live entertainment.

If both of you love Travel, Food, Jazz and R&B, here is a list of things you can plan to do. Valentines Days starts the weekend of Friday the 14th to the 16th. These are a couple of BackBeat R&B picks. Have fun love birds.

FEB 16- VALENTINE’S WEEKEND BOAT PARTY-HORNBLOWER CRUISE NEW YORK CITY

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-weekend-boat-party-the-weeknd-tribute-new-york-city-tickets-55027231932
FEB 10- Valentine’s Brunch Day Party- Edgewater Hall, Staten Island, NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-brunch-day-party-tickets-54808596989?aff=eac2
Feb 14- Valentines Day Dinner- LaBoucherie by Intercontinental Los Angeles https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-dinner-at-la-boucherie-tickets-54988496072?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Feb 14-The Valentine’s Day Jazz Concert Music of Love- St. John’s in the Village, NYC https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-jazz-concert-the-music-of-love-tickets-54494074243
Feb 11 to Feb 15- Cruise With your Valentine, Long Beach Terminal, Long Beach Calif. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cruise-with-your-valentine-tickets-46852913325?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Feb 9th to Feb 18- Valentine’s Packages @ Viana Hotel and Spa, Westbury, New York http://www.vianahotelandspa.com/valentines-packages/
Feb 14 to Feb 18, 2019 – Venetian Resort Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada https://www.venetian.com/
Feb 17 – Tropicana Hotel Atlantic City, Valentine’s Soul Jam with The Stylistics, BloodStone, Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, and The Manhattans! https://tropicana.net/events/valentines-soul-jam-the-stylistics-bloodstone-the-manhattans-and-harold-melvins-blue-notes/

February 8, 2019 0 comment

Did You Know

DID YOU KNOW???????

by BELINDA January 30, 2019

written by BELINDA

1. President Jimmy Carter is a half-second cousin of producer Berry Gordy. His great-grandfather James Thomas Gordy had a child with Esther Johnson, a black woman. Their son, Berry Gordy, was the grandfather of music producer Berry Gordy.

2. The “Main Ingredient” formed in Harlem during the ’60s and their name came from a Coca Cola bottle?

3. Freddie Gorman lead singer of R&B group “The Originals”(Baby I’m For Real”, “The Bells”) co-wrote the song “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes. The song had been a huge hit and was not recognized for decades. He was also a US Postal Carrier.

4. “The Four Tops” were originally “The Four Ames”. But in 1956 they changed their name to avoid confusion with “The Ames Brothers”.

5. Soul Train was originally a traveling Caravan show at local Chicago high schools. The show’s host Don Cornelius caught the attention of WCIU-TV in the early ’70s and was given the opportunity to go from the road to television. Soul Trains first episode featured Jerry Butler, “The Chi-Lites” and “The Emotions”.

6. Singer, songwriter Johnny Bristol (known for “Hang On In There Baby”) was the male voice on the Supremes version of “SomeDay Will Be Together” in 1969 and he spotted the group Jr. Walker& The All Stars.

7. Even though he had been recording since the 60’s “I’ll Do Anything for You” was Denroy Morgan only successful hit song! His five children comprise the reggae group Morgan Heritage.

8. Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In The Key Of Life Album was a tribute to Jazz Legend Sir Duke.

9. Bootsy Collins is credited with giving Baby Face his stage name.

10. Randy Cain left the Delfonics to branch out on his own in 1971, and in 1973 he hired Theodore Mills to write songs for the singing group ‘Shades Of Blue’. The group signed with Atlantic Records, Mills became part of the singing team, and the expanded ‘Shades Of Blue’ adopted a new name called “Blue Magic.”

MORE TO COME SOON!

January 30, 2019 0 comment

News

A TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY “NANCY WILSON”

by BELINDA January 16, 2019

written by BELINDA

The Legendary Nancy Wilson a three-time Grammy-winning vocalist passed away at her home after a lengthy illness on December 13, 2018. It is so hard to believe the lady who preferred to be called a “Song Stylist” has transitioned on.

She will truly be missed by all who appreciated her seductive expressions as she sang hits like “Guess Who I Saw Today”, “Save Your Love For Me”, and (“You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am”. Ms. Wilson collaborated with some of the best musical artists in the world and in 1967, she got her own show called “The Nancy Wilson Show”.

Beautiful and multi-talented, Ms. Wilson definitely proved herself to be an excellent entertainer. She moved on to movies and television as an accomplished actress. In 1986, she was dubbed the Global Entertainer of the Year by the World Conference of Mayors. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.

Nancy Wilson’s records were so successful, Capitol Records issued her five albums in two years. During the course of her career, she embraced Jazz and moved away from Rhythm & Blues.

In 1962 she collaborated with the late great Cannonball Adderly on their breakout hit, “Tell Me The Truth” which skyrocketed her career. One year later, she performed at The Coconut Grove in New York and became a Star.

During the 70’s Nancy continued to record and perform at music festivals, nightclubs and concert halls. In 2011, she decided to stop touring at the Ohio State University. She let her fans know she had been trying to retire after being in the business for 55 years. Nancy Wilson had a magical ability to perform and her vocals were polished. Ms. Wilson leaves behind her three children, two sisters, and five grandchildren. Her husband Rev Wiley Burton preceded her in death 2008.

Ms. Wilson, you are a true Angel in the sky your fans will miss you and we thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

January 16, 2019 0 comment

News

“THE QUEEN OF SOUL” WAS TRUE MUSIC ROYALTY! A BACKBEAT R&B TRIBUTE!

by BELINDA September 5, 2018

written by BELINDA

“The Queen of Soul” may be gone but, she will never be forgotten! Ms.Aretha Franklin never forgot where she came from, her fans, the people of Flint, Detroit, the Homeless, the Students, her involvement in Civil Rights and many others who needed her help. She was not only a 60’s pioneer in R&B music, (amongst other genres) she was a true humanitarian and legend. She influenced so many people, among them are Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, her fans and many many more.

Ms. Franklin was still a Gospel singer to the very end. She braved her illness and protected her public because she did not want us to focus on how sick she was but yet, she was very modest and humble about how she helped people and did not want you to fuss over her. Yes, the Queen of Soul has transitioned on but the impact she made on this world will always be remembered by all.

Aretha Franklin commanded “Respect” yet she didn’t have to demand it! What a lady, yes we will miss her live performances, interviews and even acting gigs but the “Queen of Soul” will be remembered for putting so much emotion in songs like “Respect”, “Chain Of Fools”, and “Think” or her sassy range in songs like “Jump To It”, “Natural Woman” or ” Ain’t No Way”.

Ms. Franklin could do it all vocally, there will definitely be no other “Queen of Soul” for a long time but her music will continue to give Aretha fans the calm, joy and peace we all need especially with such turmoil in this world. R.I.P Aretha Franklin and thank you for sharing your voice with the world.

Here is a list of Aretha Franklin Songs click the link: http://songs-tube.net/artist.php?id=1161

Aretha Franklins greatest Hits, check it out!

September 5, 2018 0 comment

FESTIVALS

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 64th 2018 ANNUAL NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL!

by BELINDA August 16, 2018

written by BELINDA

The overcast during Friday and Saturday’s stormy weather at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival didn’t prevent the thousands of Jazz followers from coming to see and hear their favorite artists perform at the 64th annual festival.

George Wein, the 92-year-old co-founder and former producer of the Newport Jazz Festival is seen driving back and forth throughout the festival grounds in a golf cart and as he whizzes by, you can hear a fan yell “Hey George Thank you” and Mr. Wein waves and smile!

Mr. Wein has received numerous honors and awards for his work with Jazz concerts and continues to be part of this musical journey for over 50 years!

NEWPORT HARBOR A GREAT VIEW FROM THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS!

The Newport Jazz Festival sponsored by “Natixis Investment Managers” is located on the grounds of Fort Adams State Park at the base of the Newport Harbor with panoramic views of the Newport Bridge and the East Passage which features three fun full days of world-class Music, Food, Exhibits, and Crafts. Make your visit to the Newport Jazz Festival a Vacation! There is so much to see and do in Newport R.I. http://www.cityofnewport.com/visitors/tourism The NPJF is more than just a music festival, it’s a vacation. The amenities provided are endless for the music lover such as charging stations, water fountains, bike depot, food vendors, shade tent, first aid, sunblock stations, breastfeeding tent and plenty of bathrooms. Once you enter the festival grounds and park your car, shuttle buses bring you right to the gates, the security will check your bags and answer any questions you have about your visit.

The vibe at the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport R.I is always fantastic, whether you are a Jazz lover or not!

It’s so interesting to watch the excitement of fans checking their program schedules just to make sure they don’t miss their favorite artists at one of the four stages, Fort, Quad, Harbor, and Storyville. There’s a plethora of outdoor chairs, umbrella’s, tents and coolers that jazz spectators bring in each year to make their stay comfortable at Ft. Adams State Park. Charles Lloyd @ the Fort Stage –One of my favorite all-time Jazz performers is Charles Lloyd, he is considered to be the “Legend of the Sax and an international treasure.” His performance on the Fort Stage makes you wanna move with him as he plays his sax. Mr. Lloyd was given his first saxophone at age 9 and he perfected his skill through the many years with great musicians like George Coleman, Johnny Ace, Bobby Blue Bland, Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King.

He exhibited his great musical craft at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival with pianist Jason Moran, drummer Eric Harland, bassist Reuben Rogers guitarists Marvin Sewell and Stuart Mathis. Charles Lloyd is a must see at any Jazz Festival!

Jazzmeia Horn @ the Quad-A Grammy Nominated Jazz vocalist and a musical newbie, she has often been compared to the likes of Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughan. Ms.Horn has blossomed over the last 10 years and continues to grow with every performance she gives. Her rendition of “Willow Weep for Me” was the reprieve of the day and the standing ovation she received from her audience was deafening and well deserved!

She is not only a remarkable vocalist but, her stage presence is strong as she interacts with her audience letting them know she will be happy to give out autographs and take pictures after the show but no touching in a joking kind of way.

Micah Thomas @ Storyville- When you talk about making a mark in jazz history, Micah Thomas certainly made his at the 64th Annual Newport Jazz festival. Jazz lovers running into the Storyville stage building to see the young pianist and composer perform two great impressive tunes. One masterful piece by the late French pianist; Michel Petrucciani called “Lookin Up” and a tune called “Concentrating” by Willie -The Lion Smith.

His music is so amazing and his work is full of originality, style, and grace. He has played with many prominent musicians including, JD Allen, Billy Contreras, Eddie Bayard, George Delancey, Cedric Easton, and Bobby Floyd. Micah Thomas is definitely on his way to becoming one of the great musicians of the 21st century!

Gregory Porter@ the Fort Stage A phenomenal vocalist, this two time Grammy award winner brings great energy and music to the stage! His range can change from a silky smooth to a soulful sound that can be compared to the late Jon Lucien, Marvin Gay and throw in a little Billy Eckstine.

On the last day of the Newport Jazz Festival, attendees broke out into a roar when he performed his rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and then changed up the vocals to sing Gregory Porter hits like “Holding On” and “Insanity”. The applause and the standing ovation was well deserved!

Artemis@The Fort Stage Those powerful and extraordinary musicians played the finest in jazz and their performance on Sunday was outstanding at the Newport Jazz Festival! Vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, clarinetist Anat Cohen, bassist Noriko Ueda, tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and Allison Miller on drums have musical training that spans from different parts of the world which makes their performances energetic, impressive and classical.

George Clinton and The Parliament Funkadelic @ The Fort Stage! The grand finale at the Newport Jazz Festival was Mr. George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic band. He bought the audience to their feet with hits like “Bring The Funk”, “Atomic Dog”, “Flashlight”, “One Nation Under Groove” and many others.

They are truly great entertainers, great musicians (you just can’t fake the funk) great artists, great at what they do, great trendsetters, and one of the greatest bands of the 20th century, and of course, created and organized by the great George Clinton. Thank Mr. Clinton for bringing down the house at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival and for all the memories…

August 16, 2018 0 comment

News

“ETERNAL PEACE” TO THE QUEEN OF SOUL”, R.I.P ARETHA FRANKLIN

by BELINDA August 16, 2018

written by BELINDA

The “Queen of Soul” has passed away, she made her transition on August 16, 2018. Ms. Franklin succumbed to cancer at her home surrounded by family and friends in Detroit. She was 76 years old.

Dubbed the “Queen of Soul” because of her strong Gospel roots and jazzy/blues style of singing. The “Lady of Soul” was born in Memphis, Tennessee and began singing solos at New Bethel Baptist Church. Her first worship song was “Jesus, Be a Fence Around Me.” By the age of 12 her father, the Rev C.L. Franklin began managing her career. They would go on gospel caravan tours to perform in various churches. She signed her first recording deal with J.V.B Records and released her first album in 1956 called “Songs Of Faith”. From there her singing career took off. Her career has expanded six decades!

Her world-wide chart stopping hits included many songs like “Respect”, ” Chain Of Fools”, “DayDreaming” and many many more…”. She received 42 Grammy Award nominations and won 18 Grammy Awards. Ms. Franklin had become one of the first females to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha Franklin will be miss but her music and her legacy will live on forever! For more on Aretha Franklin http://arethafranklin.net/biography/

August 16, 2018 0 comment

Who's Touring

ANAT COHEN JAZZ TOUR DATES CHECK IT OUT!

by BELINDA July 8, 2018

written by BELINDA

When I saw this talented Artist at the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in Saratoga, NY Omg, was I impressed. I became an instant fan! A friend of mine had been bragging about how great she was. So, if you’ve never seen Ms. Anat Cohen perform, please check out her tour dates. I will have the pleasure of seeing her perform again in Newport R.I at the Newport Jazz Festival the weekend of August 3rd-August 5th.
ANAT COHEN TENTET PERFORMING@SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL-PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM!

Here is a list of her Tour Dates for 2018-19 CLICK ON THE LINK!

https://www.anatcohen.com/schedule/

Photography by Michael Rheubottom!

July 8, 2018 0 comment

Spotlight

ALEX HAN MORE THEN A JAZZ ARTIST, HE’S A FUTURE JAZZ LEGEND!

by BELINDA January 14, 2018

written by BELINDA

Alex Han is more than a musician, he is a Saxophonist, Composer & on his way to becoming an iconic Jazz Legend. Being young and vibrant, he’s moving up very fast in the Jazz world. He began his musical career at the age of 8, his parents were instrumental in encouraging him to play the Alto-Saxophone. By the age of 12, his musical capabilities kicked in and Alex has been on his way to musical stardom ever since.

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Check out Alex Han’s Debut Album called “Spirit”, “Alex has been setting stages on fire as a member of Marcus Miller’s band for years. This is Alex’s long-awaited and much anticipated, debut album. Produced by Marcus Miller, “Spirit” takes you on a musical journey that makes you want to listen to non-stop. Click the arrow!

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UPPER COMING CONCERT TOURS

GO TO: http://alexhan.com/gigs/

January 14, 2018 0 comment

FESTIVALS

“NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL” 63 YEARS YOUNG AND STILL CAPTIVATING JAZZ LOVERS

by BELINDA September 16, 2017

written by BELINDA

The Newport Jazz Festival 2017 in its 63rd year, packed crowds from all over the country who had come to see the best of the best in Jazz. On Saturday, August 5, founder George Wein introduced Christian Mcbride and his Big Band. When McBride’s Band finished their performance of “The Shade Of The Cedar Tree”, the Artistic Director (as of 2016) felt obliged to speak about how impartial he is to Jazz. “Sometimes we get a little too into this gluten-free lifestyle”, which meant he was talking about the Blues. He also gave a touching tribute to the late great Geri Allen. The Jazz pianist and composer passed away on June 27, 2017.

He talked about how she will always live on through her music. He continued to pay tribute to Ms. Allen with Christian Sands, Vijay Iyer, and Jason Moran. He also introduced a George Duke tune called “The Black Messiah”; that musical piece really set the tone on Saturday for the Festival’s audience.

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE & THE BIG BAND

The Quad Stage

As I walk over to the Quad Stage, I could hear musician, composer and pianist Vijay Iyer, performing with whom I call his “trendy Jazz group”. The group consisted of Saxophonist Steve Lehman and drummer, Tyshawn Sorey. They were lighting up the Quad Stage with a little mix of Funk, Jazz and flowing with the groove chords of their instruments, this made the audience get up and start shaking their tail feathers. I’ve been attending this dynamic festival for five years and never seen anything like it. What a great festival!

As we walked around the Quad, the music of Dizzy, Mongo, and Monk caught my attention! More interestingly enough was knowing there was some history behind musician and pianist Danilo Perez who had been a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s band until 1992. He led the all-star band in a tribute to all three legendary musicians. The climax of this performance was when saxophonist Chris Potter and Danilo Perez performed a duo rendition of ” Off Minor” by Monk. It was timeless.

JAZZ VIBRAPHONIST WARREN WOLF

RHIANNON GIDDENS VIOLINIST AND BANJO

Back to the Fort Stage, where the beautiful talented Rhiannon Giddens, as the New York Times, once called her “The Concert’s Real Head Turner” was performing. Her music is mesmerizing, dynamic, spellbinding, and hypnotic. Strong words for a young woman who studied Opera at the Oberlin Conservatory. Ms. Giddens is a multi-talented musician. She plays the violin, banjo, and fiddle, but her vocals are simply amazing. It draws you like a magnet and as I heard one lady say, “I’m an instant Fan”

She rocked a rendition of Aretha Franklin’s song “Do Right Woman Do Right” to lighting up the audience with her awesome version of “WaterBoy”. Rhiannon busted out tunes such as “Sugar”, “Love” and “North Star”. ( I must mention, those three are my favorite Rhiannon Giddens songs) Once the Festival ended, I think most people would agree, her music is here to stay and she will be around for a long time entertaining her fans.

THE MANY FACES OF RHIANNON GIDDENS

RHIANNON GIDDENS & DIRK POWELL DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST!

“The Roots” gave an undeniable earth-shaking performance at the Newport Jazz Festival as presented by Natixis Global Asset Management. They closed out the Festival on Sunday, August 6th, with Herbie Hancock’s rendition of “Actual Proof” to Kool and The Gang’s “Jungle Boogie”.

Even though “The Roots” are not what most people would consider a “Jazz Band,” they certainly brought down the house on Sunday. People were singing, dancing and very energetic. The audience was so captivated by their music which consists of a small mixture of Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B. As an avid Jazz fan, I ‘ve never seen this type of response which brought so many good people together.

“THE ROOTS” JAMMING IT UP! “QUESTLOVE” ON DRUMS AND “BLACK THOUGHT” PERFORMING AND DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST.

THE FORT ADAMS STATE PARK IN NEWPORT RI

FT ADAMS STATE PARK, HOME OF THE NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL!

A GREAT DAY TO CHILL OUT AND LISTEN TO FABULOUS MUSIC.

The line-up of outstanding performers at this year’s Jazz Festival will be totally unforgettable. Other great artist included “Snarky Puppy”, Branford Marsalis, Jason Palmer,and with first class musical entertainment on four live stages, dozens of vendors and exhibitors, it’s well worth it to make a terrific weekend out of The Newport Jazz Festival .