Producer`s Notes continued from page 1 JazzTrax.com

Transcription

Producer`s Notes continued from page 1 JazzTrax.com
JazzTrax.com
Producer’s Notes by Art Good
The JazzTrax Festival's inception just
ahead of the popping up of Smooth Jazz
Radio stations in most major markets.
Originally just a One Weekend Festival it's
first 4 years. In 1991 expanding to 2 weekends. In 1999 to 3 consecutive weekends.
All timed to the EXPLOSION of Smooth
Jazz in the 90's and through the 00's.
Welcome back to . . . Smooth Jazz Island .
. . and the world famous 1929 Avalon
Ballroom . . . looking out to Sea. Where
each October since 1987 the Smooth Jazz
Universe has centered itself in this tiny
seaport village, on an Island, 26 miles off
the Southern California Coastline. Where
Grover Washington Jr. came in 1991 and
after BOTH his Sunday Night closing performances took his sax up to the old Blue
Parrot Bar and sat in with the local jazz
band. Where Boney James first came in
the early 90's, but as James Oppenheim,
the saxophonist in Bobby Caldwell's band.
Where Jesse Cook made his 1995 U.S.
debut, but downstairs in the Marine Room
Bar. Where a totally unknown young saxophonist named Mindi Abair showed up in
a 1994 Sunday Afternoon All Star Jam and
later that night with a just emerging Rick
Braun also at the old Blue Parrot Bar.
Where Keiko Matsui discovered Paul
Taylor gigging in Jeff Lorber's band and
hired him for hers. Where Richard Elliot
once parasailed past the Casino for his
encore playing "Somewhere Over the
Rainbow." Where Peter White gave his
first solo major stage performance in 1991.
Where Four 80 East came out of "only a
studio band" to give their first ever live performance. Where so many artists have
staged the start of their careers from in
past October's.
When I created this festival, nearing 3
decades ago, I didn't know of any other 'all
contemporary' jazz festivals in America or
the world. Jazz Festivals traditionally had
been mostly "traditional" jazz with a tiny
contemporary twist like a Tim Weisberg or
a Spyro Gyra or a George Benson thrown
in. Far as I know JazzTrax is the grand
daddy smooth jazz festival of them all.
Longest running and who else but
Montreaux in Switzerland runs for 3
weeks? Was and still is 'one of a kind.'
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Even with the downturn in the economy,
"the Great Recession," our 3 weekends
continued and although our attendance
was affected, YOU SMOOTHERS kept
coming. But every business should and
must evaluate the market and demand
even as all of you re evaluated your portfolio's (and how many houses you really
needed) when the economy crashed. I
was a bit stubborn thinking it would all
come back. Quickly wouldn't be the applicable word, but the economy has come
back as it always does, just not to where it
was and why should it come all the way
back to the 'bubble' days. Therefore even
as many of you have done in your lives and
businesses the time for us has come for a
readjustment to where reality and spending patterns have now settled for the
Smooth Jazz audience.
Since the Great Recession JazzTrax
Festival goers have returned and in large
numbers, and from all over America, however just not in 3 weekend numbers. Since
the economy's recession retraction and
subsequent correction this festival has
been a bit like 3 airplanes taking off where
only 2 were needed to accommodate
everyone. Therefore in 2014 this festival
will consolidate back to 2 airplanes, 2
"weekends." Part of our plan to keep this
legendary festival going strongly another
10 years. The 28th annual Catalina Island
JazzTrax Festival, This grand daddy of 'em
all will next year be held 2 consecutive
weekends, on what have been our 2nd and
3rd October weekends. Oct. 9-Oct. 19.
I believe this consolidation will now secure
another full decade for the JazzTrax
Festival. By then, who knows what kind of
festival my son, by then in his mid 20's
might decide to take it. After all, we were all
around age 30 when the JazzTrax Festival
first began. For those who always attend
the 2nd or 3rd weekends, nothing will
change, cept you'll see more people, a full
or close to full Ballroom. It's the first weekend which will go away next year. Odd
you say, but historically since we went to 3
weekends the first weekend has had the
lowest attendance. We also noticed more
and more that most wait to see the entire
Artist Line-Up before selecting which
weekend to attend.
It's amazing how many of you for over 2
decades and some for all 27 years have
held the same Club Seats or Tables,
almost religiously. We've already reached
out to those who have so faithfully come to
the Island year after year on Weekend 1
and they are getting highest priority in moving to a new weekend next year. We are
fully expecting the same number of attendees over 2 weekends in 2014 as are
attending over 3 weekends this fall and
that's GOOD for everybody. Everyone
loves a full Ballroom. Makes the Party
brighter and even the performing artists
perform better when the room is full.
Tightening it down to 20 Stars of Smooth
Jazz over 2 consecutive weekends will
also strengthen the presentation and by
strengthening the festival's bottom line and
quality should make the 2 weekend lineups more powerful. Most importantly we
believe this consolidation will enable this
festival to extend another 10 years.
Aren't too many festivals that last 27 years.
The Great Recession easily could have
brought this one down too. It brought down
others. Even as we girded up tight and
hung through the economic downturn, we
are now adjusting even as everyone and
all of you adjusted. I'm excited about the
decision and already booking the top talent
for October, 12 months from now and for
June's JazzTrax Summer Music Festival in
Big Bear Lake in the Summertime
Southern California Mountains.
The JazzTrax Smooth Jazz Era here has
already exceeded the historic 25 year run
from the 1930's to the mid 50's of the Big
Bands in this historic Ballroom. JazzTrax
now for over a Quarter Century has driven
this Island's Fall Economy. Stretching
Summer's In Season well past the previous Labor Day end of Summer. Keeping
restaurants, hotels, even Descanso Beach
open until the very last day of JazzTrax in
late October since 1987. 27th annual with
plans now to make it to a 37th annual with
next year's consolidation, and then…..who
knows……..
Don't forget…..the JazzTrax Radio Show,
since 1985….longest running smooth jazz
syndicated radio show in America
27th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
continued on page 2
• www.JazzTrax.com
JazzTrax.com
Producer’s Notes continued from page 1
STREAMS 24/7 on-line at JazzTrax.com.
Hear a song you like, simply browser the
show backwards and listen to it again.
Don't forget…..Tickets ALSO go On-Sale
Thanksgiving Weekend for next June's
(20-22) 9th annual Big Bear Lake JazzTrax
Summer Music Festival. The Stars of
Smooth Jazz performing from a Floating
Stage on a Mountain Lake in the
Southern
California
Summertime
Mountains.
Don't forget…..New Releases Page at
JazzTrax.com shows you everything
Brand New in Smooth Jazz throughout the
year and look back through all the Year's
since 2000
Artist Line-Ups for both festivals begin to
be announced December & January with
both line-ups mostly fully announced by
March. Full festival information always
available at www.JazzTrax.com. Be the
first to know by receiving JazzTrax E Blast
Alerts. Leave your e-mail address at
JazzTrax.com Homepage Top Left. Leave
us a couple of smooth jazz loving friend's
e-mail addresses too. Make it an October
party with your very best friends.
Don't forget…..Pre Ticket Order Forms
should be postmarked by midnight October
31st so Tix.com is all set to go on sale with
2014 ticketting Thanksgiving Weekend
Don't forget…..'The Catalina Island
JazzTrax Festival Radio Special' begins to
STREAM at JazzTrax.com Thanksgiving
Weekend….The Concerts recorded over
Oct's 3 JazzTrax Island Weekends
Don't Forget……Moving a 3 weekend
audience next year into 2 October
Weekends means seats and especially
TABLES will sell much faster, especially
Club seating. 2 planes taking off instead of
3 means we might be at total capacity both
weekends, or close. Think about making
your ticket purchase and hotel arrangements much earlier for October 2014 on
Catalina Island. Then Dream About
It…..All Year Long!
Now get ready for one of the most awesome smooth jazz weekends of your life.
The past 2 years Voted….. Best Jazz
Festival in All America!
Art Good Creator/Producer/Host
of Everything JazzTrax
CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX 2013 Person Ingredients CREDITS
JazzTrax Creator & Producer,
Art Good
Production Manager & Stage Director,
Gregg Hudson
Ticket Manager,
Cristina Gorka
Program & Website Graphic,
Michael Massoud
Chief of Security,
Jack Tolofogo
Ballroom Audio & Sound,
Ballroom Lighting,
U.S. Audio
Pacific Coast Entertainment
Festival Photographs,
Voted Best Jazz Festival in America 2 Consecutive Years 2011 & 2012
Pat Benter
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27th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
• www.JazzTrax.com
Voted Best Jazz Festival in America 2 Consecutive Years 2011 & 2012
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27th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
• www.JazzTrax.com
Voted Best Jazz Festival in America 2 Consecutive Years 2011 & 2012
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JESSE COOK guitar
Sat Evening Oct 5
Toronto based rhumba guitarist U.S. debut was here at
Catalina Island JazzTrax 1995, mere weeks following
his Sept CD debut. Total unknown and playing not on
main stage, but during intermissions in Marine Room
Bar on the Mezzanine. Scheduled only for weekend 1,
but creating such a stir. Stopping at his Narada
Record label offices in Milwaukee, they turned him
around and sent him back to the Island for weekend 2.
Widely considered one of the most influential figures in
"Nouveau Flamenco." A Juno Award winner, Acoustic
Guitar Magazine's Player's Choice Award Silver
Winner under Flamenco and a 3 time winner of the
Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year.
Born 1964 in Paris to a filmmaker father and a television director mother.
MINDI ABAIR sax/vocals
Descanso Beach Thurs. Oct. 17
Only child of a musician couple she creates her unique
style and compositions from within her bungalow
house in HOLLYWOOD a mere stroll from Lucy's
Mexican Adobe which a decade ago gave her the huge
No. l hit that launched her striking solo career, "Lucy's."
Now with a long list of No. l's and exploding repertoire
but it's live on stage where she captures it all. Seen on
sax backing contestants on American Idol and on tour
with Aerosmith and now elected President of the LA
Chapter of NARAS who put on the Grammy's. Newest
recording and touring and No. 1 hit all Summer, with
'Dave Koz Summer Horns.'
DAVID BENOIT keys
Sat Afternoon Oct 5
Born in Bakersfield, but all of youth in the South Bay of
L.A. now long residing on Palos Verde Peninsula. 5
Grammy nominations. Early in very full career served
as Music Director for Lainie Kazan, singer/actresses
Ann-Margret and Connie Stevens. Has performed at
the White House for 3 Presidents: Clinton, Reagan
and Bush, Sr. Even hosted morning program for jazz
station KKJZ in Long Beach. A recording career that
began in 1977 now over 25 solo projects. Ever
expanding slate of orchestral music endeavors
includes film scoring projects by Clint Eastwood and
Sally Field. With ongoing role as conductor of the Asia
America Symphony Orchestra. Ambrosia lead singer
David Pack a college mate and the 2 still doing tour
dates together.
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• www.JazzTrax.com
PHIL PERRY vocals
Fri Evening Oct 18
So very long ago a founding member of the soul group
(1971 - 1975) The Montclairs. Then moving to
Southern California where in the 1980's Lee Riteour
pushed him onto the emerging contemporary jazz
scene as Rit's primary on stage and in recording vocalist. Born 1952 in East St. Louis. Now with 9 solo
releases. Newest Spring 2013's 'Say Yes.' Has most
recently recorded and toured with Najee. Sung by
Phil, found on Najee's latest, 'Just to Fall in Love"
earned the JazzTrax 2012 Best Smooth Jazz Vocal of
the Year honor.
CRAIG CHAQUICO guitar
Descanso Beach Thurs. Oct. 3
Raised in Sacramento but made his name as guitarist in
the mid 70's Bay Area Jefferson Starship. Paul Kantner
of Jefferson Airplane seeing him play as a 16 year old.
Craig joined he and Grace Slick on their 1971
'Sunfighter' duo album then joined entire band 'turned
Starship' in '74. Starship eventually earning 20 platinum and gold records. He is the only member to
appear in every recording, album, tour and music video
over the course of the band's tenure. His guitar riffs and
long flowing brown hair so evident on "We Built This
City." Co-wrote 1981's "Find Your Way Back." Leaving
the band with the 90's to start a family. Simultaneously
switching to acoustic guitar to forge a solo career in
New Age and Smooth Jazz. A grammy nomination off
1994 2nd solo CD 'Acoustic Planet.' Took himself in
bluesy direction with last fall's 'Fire Red Moon.'
HIROSHIMA group featuring koto
Sat Afternoon Oct 12
Formed 1974. Named for the Japanese city. Album
debut came 1979. Band members, from East L.A.,
but 3rd generation Japanese Americans. The band's
only founding member, not American-born, June
Kuramoto moved from Tokyo area to L.A. as a child. It
is June's KOTO (noted by Stanley Clarke to be the
world's best) that most defines the band's unique
sound, along with the band's Taiko Drum. 2010
Grammy nominated for 'Legacy.' After more than 30
years in the recording industry continuing to blend
jazz, pop and rock with traditional Japanese folk music
and instrumentation 3 decades since they first convened. Almost 4 million records sold.
Voted Best Jazz Festival in America 2 Consecutive Years 2011 & 2012
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LES NUBIANS vocals
Sun Afternoon Oct 20
A sisters duo, Helene and Celia Faussart, born to a
French father and Cameroonian mother in Paris
before moving in 1985 to African country of Chad. 7
years later returning to Bordeaux, France for their
teen-age years where they began singing a cappella,
while producing poetry slams there and in Paris and
singing background vocals for various artists worldwide. A duo debut came in 1998 on 'Virgin Records
France.' Best known for their hit single "Makeda" from
their Grammy nominated album "Princesses
Nubiennes.' 1999 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards winners for Best New Artist, Group or Duo with 2 NAACP
Image Award nominations in 2000.
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SPENCER DAY vocals
Sat Evening Oct 12
Born 1978 small town in Utah. Modern jazz singer made solo debut 2004. Parents separated then raised by grandparents in Arizona. Working in a gas station before moving to
California to seek out singer's career. Self taught while singing and playing jazz standards
on piano at bars and retirement homes! 1st appeared on CBS TV's 'Star Search' 20022003. Landed with distinguished Concord Jazz in '09. Staying for 47 weeks on Billboard's
Jazz Album Chart with first hit single, "Till You Come Back to Me," which peaked at No. 3.
Describes his style as "Chet Baker meets Paul Simon." Having grown up Mormon but
having "come out" to his family as gay he hopes to be a part of building a bridge between
the LGBT community and Mormon community.
CINDY BRADLEY trumpet/flugelhorn/flumpet
Sun Afternoon Oct 13
From North Tonawanda, near Buffalo in upstate New York. Major label debut came with
'Bloom.' Named JazzTrax 2009 Debut Artist of the Year with major stage debut here on
Catalina Island that Fall. 2011 Release 'Unscripted,' brought first No. 1 radio hit, "Masssive
Transit." Stayed Top of Charts 6 weeks. Album topped the Billboard Jazz Album Chart for
2 weeks. Never left day job as a public elementary school band teacher across the Hudson
River from NYC, in New Jersey.
STEVE COLE sax
Sun Afternoon Oct 6
Chicago native and Cubs lover but these days found mostly in Minneapolis in his professorial capacity. Professor Cole is a clinical professor at The University of St. Thomas in
St. Paul, Minnesota following his previous teaching of Music Business at Columbia
College in Chicago. Solo debut in 1998. Named Prism Award Best New Artist in 2000.
Founding member in 2004 of 'The Sax Pack' the All Star Saxman Trio founded by Jeff
Kashiwa. Arriving on Island with Sept's brand new 'Pulse.' Has recorded with likes of
Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, City of Prague Orchestra and The Chicago Symphony
Orchestra.
FOUR 80 EAST group
Sat Afternoon Oct 12
JAZZ IN PINK group
Sat Afternoon Oct 19
What began as a side studio project by Tony Grace (drums/percussion) and Rob DeBoer
(keys/bass/guitar) in their Toronto, Canada studio and named for the address of their office
street….480 East. They had been producing music for other musical formats and club music
when they put together their first electro jazz on their own Boomtang Records label. Calling
their 1997 debut 'The Album.' 2nd in 2001 contained haunting song "Last Flight to L.A." still
their signature JazzTrax song. Art Good talked them out of studio and into their very first live
performance anywhere for the 2002 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. At first simply "a studio concept." Now fully evolved to a live in concert touring act.
An All Star Jazz Band completely LADIES. Projecting talent, beauty, power and femininity as together they embrace the stage. Led by music director/keyboardist "Philly the Kid"
Gail Jhonson, raised in Philadelphia. Making her solo debut in 2004 she continues as
music director, keyboardist and vocalist for Norman Brown. Pink's dynamism rises substantially with the violin of Karen Briggs, seen by millions in her fiery performances on the
multi-platinum selling 'Yanni: Live at the Acropolis PBS Special.' Pink's harpist, Mariea
Antoinette. known for her stunning performances as principal Harpist for the Los Angeles
Southeast Symphony Orchestra. Her solo debut in 2002. Also Kim Scott on flute.
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SELINA ALBRIGHT vocals
Sat Evening Oct 5 AND Sat Evening Oct 19
Daughter and oldest sibling of famed saxophonist Gerald Albright. Spotted on back-up
vocals on Smooth Jazz Caribbean Cruises then vocals for Brian Culbertson's band. Own
Debut Project 'Brighter' reaching #1 on the UK Soul Chart only 3 months after it's release
past April. Singing at age 2. A professional music career at age 14 when featured on
Dad's albums, 1997, 2009, 2010 before contributing her songwriting for the title track of
2012's Grammy nominated Gerald Albright/Norman Brown collaboration '24/7.' Based
Denver area where folks and family left L.A. for a decade ago.
JEANETTE HARRIS sax
Sun Afternoon Oct 6
VINCENT INGALA sax
Fri Evening Oct 4
Classically trained in piano and saxophone in hometown of Fresno, CA by her church organist father. One day driving to 4th grade Mom was playing a CASSETTE of Grover
Washington Jr. which turned her. After Berklee School of Music in Boston returning to
Fresno. Noticed by Teena Marie's trumpet player, who asked for her business card at the
2010 NAMM Show in Anaheim. Hired by Marie unheard/unseen to play first a date in
London. Having to pull off the freeway when Teena called personally to get her passport
information for the date. Getting just 4 hours of sleep studying Teena's music before driving
to L.A. for the audition. She was saxtress for the late Teena Marie's final year of touring.
Age 17 in 2011 showing up at the infamous 'Lemonade Weekend' in San Diego when the
Oasis Awards Show fell financially apart at the last second, but a large enough contingent
of Smooth Jazz lovers having already booked their weekend stay. This teenager took command of the stage at Anthology night club. Later jamming with Peter White there at the
Hard Rock Cafe. Gaining enough attention that Dave Koz invited him on his Alaskan
Cruise. He's just now coming off Koz Mediterranean Cruise. His radio breakthrough coming with summer 2012's, 'Can't Stop Now.' The past year a member of Sax AND the City
while still living at home in Prospect, Connecticut, (about 14 miles from last December's
Newtown tragedy.) Just now having barely entered his 20's.
JONATHAN FRITZEN keys
Sat Afternoon Oct 19
NICHOLAS COLE keys
Sun Afternoon Oct 20
1982 born in Stockholm, Sweden to a Swedish mother and American father. First a drummer,
then bass, guitar, flute, even vocals…finally piano. A masters degree from the Royal Swedish
Academy of Music. First solo album 2008. 3rd in 2010 'Diamonds' gave first huge hit. "Dance
With Me" spending 10 weeks at No. l on the Billboard Indicator Smooth Jazz Chart. 2nd single "Undercover" making it to No. 2. A single never released on an album "Friday Night" scored
his first No. 1 song just as he was arriving on this Island. Named JazzTrax 2011 Debut Artist
of the Year. 2012's "Magical" featuring Boney James gave him another huge radio hit while
striking gold on JazzTrax Top 10 Songs of Year with horribly haunting "Nordic Night."
One of our genre's new Young Lions, part of the future of modern jazz. Produced by musician dad. 1st self recorded album gaining first JazzTrax national airplay, recorded in
home studio at age 17. Signed to a major label deal at age 18. Landing on the JazzTrax
Festival Summer and Fall stages at age 19 last year. While still living at home with folks
in Goldsboro, North Carolina. His musical home base Mt. Zion Church Ministries. His
dream of Berklee School of Music in Boston was still awaiting his graduation from high
school whiles he'd already hit the national stage.
Voted Best Jazz Festival in America 2 Consecutive Years 2011 & 2012
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ELAN TROTMAN sax
Sun Afternoon Oct 13 AND Fri Evening Oct 18
Born and raised on the Caribbean island of Barbados. 6th album released Spring of 2013
proudly showcasing his Caribbean heritage, titled 'Tropicality.' Saying "we islanders are
happy people by nature, evident by the way our music grooves. CD co-produced by guitarist Peter White. Living since Berklee School of Music days in Boston, a college scholarship awarded him by the Barbados government, and a huge sports fan. He put together the band that performed for Celtics/Heat star Ray Allen's wedding and performs annually for Red Sox GM Theo Epstein's charity event 'Hot Stove Cool Music.' Also the past
10 years serving as a teacher in the Boston public school system.
PEET PROJECT group led by violin
Fri Evening Oct 11
Living in Budapest, Hungary declared a "hidden gem" when making their U.S. debut at April's
renowned Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Florida. Having released a 3rd project, 'Overseas,'
this Summer. Young European smooth jazz band the brainchild of violinist/vocalist Peter
"Peet" Ferencz, keyboardist Adam Lorincz and saxman Peter Herold. Jazz-infused pop and
funk with a European touch. JazzTrax marks their West Coast debut and 2nd time to
America.
JULIAN VAUGHN bass
Sun Evening Oct 6
Standing perhaps Tallest of anyone in all Smooth Jazzdom at 6' 7" and playing his bass
like his mentor, the late great Wayman Tisdale, while still residing in his hometown of
Kansas City. Debutted in 2010 following with his first major label release in 2012. Born
1980 and a self taught bass player learning in the K.C. church his grandfather pastored.
Playing basketball on his high school team while his teammates headphones filled with
Rap, Julian's filled with smooth jazz, quite often the "Tokyo Blue" album by Najee. 2012
ended with his first big radio hit, "Breakthrough," finishing the year at #8 on Billboard's year
end top records of the year chart.
MILES MOSLEY bass
Sun Evening Oct 20
Claims to have picked up the Upright Bass as it was the only instrument at his school he didn't have to bring home with him. His style sometimes described as "brothel jazz." Describes it
as if Jimi Hendrix played upright bass in Prince's band. From Hollywood, has worked for
Creative Counseling Network, a non-profit organization that provides access to the arts for
under-served young people. His Double Bass is what'll grab ya. Named after Miles Davis.
ROMAN STREET smooth flamenco group
Sat Afternoon Oct 5 AND Sun Evening Oct 13
This trio was born and raised out of Mobile, Alabama with their style of "new"
flamenco, smooth and not-so-smooth jazz with their own brand of fusion style
music to a youthful and spontaneous approach to musical expression from the
South and Coastal Alabama. Newest CD this Summer is 'Caravan.' Roman
Street was added to this October's line-up in August to replace Hawaiaan
Ukulele player Brittni Paiva who had to cancel due to medical reasons.
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27th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
• www.JazzTrax.com
Luau Larry’s
Where the Bar Meets the Bay!
Friday & Sat. Nights
LIVE MUSIC
Breakfast Buffet
All you can eat - 8am - 12pm
Saturday & Sunday