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Producer’s Notes by Art Good
renowned Seabreeze Jazz Festival in the
Florida Panhandle, on through Catalina
Island in October. For about 2 decades It
was payday for the Smooth Jazz Industry.
And here we are again, and I say WE
because so many of you come every
single Fall and have upwards of 2 decades
and some for nearly 3 decades, for a 28th
October. Gathered or “stranded by choice”
on an Island surrounded by … Sea. All of
us .. the same ilk. Lovers of Smooth Jazz.
The musical genre we first fell in love with
20-30 years ago when suddenly some jazz
appeared that had some melody to it. And
in love with the SuperStars who finally put
that Melody to Jazz like Grover
Washington Jr., David Sanborn, Earl
Klugh, Kenny G, Lee Ritenour, Joe
Sample, David Benoit …
Groups like Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy,
The Rippingtons. Spurred forth by radio
shows like mine, Lites Out San Diego,
begun in 1982 which led to the JazzTrax
syndicated show founded in 1985.
Another in Atlanta, another in New York.
Then suddenly as this festival was
emerging in 1987, full radio formatted
Smooth Jazz stations across America.
Beginning with KIFM in San Diego, then
The Wave in Los Angeles, KKSF in San
Francisco, WNUA in Chicago, and other
cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia,
Milwaukee,
Seattle,
Sacramento,
Cleveland, Phoenix …
As more and more audience fell in line and
in love with these artists, and this sound,
the PROMOTERS fell in line too. Catalina
was the first major jazz festival to go ALL
smooth jazz even as some of the more
heritage pure jazz festivals, the Heritage in
New Orleans, the Monterrey, the Playboy
in Hollywood began to notice as well and
began to sprinkle in a few smooth acts
here and there like Boney James and
Spyro Gyra. In the 90’s smooth jazz
festivals began to proliferate across
America. The smooth jazz artists touring
constantly. Beginning each April with the
1
It’s now a beat up story how most of the
major market radio stations after a quarter
century, formatting Smooth Jazz and as
recently as just a few years ago being
amongst the highest grossing dollar
stations in the country, began dropping off,
flipping formats overnight, as our demo got
older (always wiser) as broadcasting will
always chase after youth even as it once
chased after us.
But still one of the major channels on
Sirius/XM satellite radio, WATERCOLORS
is Smooth Jazz. And for those of you who
Pandora your tunes, all you gotta do is put
in a Peter White station on your computer,
or a Fourplay station, whomever your
favorite artist, and you don’t miss a smooth
jazz beat, even if your hometown smooth
jazz radio station went away. This is our
music, our genre, our artists, what we love
and what we’ve loved for 20 to 30 years
now. The major portion of our adult lives.
We won’t be changing our musical tastes.
Not at this stage. Not ever.
Even as the movies of Robin Williams
won’t go away and possibly will be
watched even more, now that he’s gone,
we’re still listening constantly to Grover
Washington Jr. even though he’s been
gone 16 years. We will be listening to what
has been inspiring our ears and hearts the
past 3 decades clear through our
retirement and to our final days. Because
now….it’s ALL up in the Cloud. Wherever
that CLOUD might be. Fact is, the entire
JazzTrax Radio Show Music Library is now
stored in I-Tunes, in that cloud somewhere.
I, like everyone in broadcasting went to
producing the JazzTrax Radio Show on
computer a few years ago. When I travel
to the Oregon Coastline each summer to
get out of the Palm Springs desert heat,
the JazzTrax Studio travels in my
briefcase. To be quite honest I used to be
really proud of my impressive radio studio.
Anyone walking in saw walls of CD’s.
Stacks of recording equipment. Even stuff
that meant nothing but lit up and looked
impressive. The JazzTrax Syndicated
Radio Show was produced from there for
several decades and at one point had a
Quarter Million people listening each
weekend to what was produced in that
impressive room even as “that room” left
JazzTrax.com
San Diego for Los Angeles and then for
Palm Springs.
Being totally honest I fought the idea of
“just doing it all on a computer.” Fought it
unnecessarily for a bunch of years until
finally necessity dictated which it eventually
always does huh? Now someone walks
into my office and says, “What happened
to all the CD’s.” I say, “They’re in my
storage unit out by Palm Springs Airport.
Where AirForce One lands a couple times
a year (and maybe more times in the future
as the President of the United States is
rumored to maybe be buying a house near
JazzTrax in Rancho Mirage.
“So where’s your radio studio now Art?” I
point to my computer.
Although I’m now a MAC guy. And I swear
by it. I would stand on the moon and do
testimonials to MAC if asked. How can you
compete with putting someone’s contact
information into your computer, then
turning to your I-Phone and that
information is ALREADY THERE TOO!
(where is this cloud exactly?)
But I learned how to produce JazzTrax
radio on a PC and still am most
comfortable still using PC for that. But
earlier this year upon purchasing the
newest PC … only to find the newest have
NO CD DISC player or extractor in them.
How can this be? I do a syndicated radio
show. I looked at the ‘Best Buy’ guy in
disbelief. He said, “There is no need for
CD technology now, (obviously catering
more to YOUTH again). Everyone works
off MP3’s, downloading their songs and
albums.” This very young “expert” said
“Who buys CD’s anymore?” Well they do
here at this festival in large volume to get
the Artist’s autograph on it!
But once again that CLOUD came “flying
through.” As brand new smooth jazz cd’s
arrive, I extract all their tunes into my MAC
since the new PC computer has no such
abilities anymore. Some of you already
know …. clicked I-Tunes Match. Those
tunes FLEW through the “somewhere” to
the new PC when I clicked it’s I-Tunes
Match too. Whallah…..everything I’d
extracted from those new CD’s on my
MAC, were instantly in I-Tunes on my new
PC. Houdini would be beyond disbelief.
After all this is all truly beyond magic.
Steve Jobs may you rest in peace. I’m
also confident Houdini would have LOVED
Smooth Jazz!
SATURDAY NIGHT JAZZTRAX AFTERPARTY with DJ Jonathan Phillips at Descanso Beach
No Ticket Required ** Full Food & Drink Bar ** Beach FirePits Lit
JazzTrax.com
Producer’s Notes continued from page 1
When the JazzTrax syndicated radio show
began, almost 30 years ago, (1985) I was
sending the entire radio show out to the
original 4 radio stations, on HUGE Reel to
Reel Tapes. They had to return those tapes
so future shows could be recorded over the
old shows. Then in the 90’s we switched to
burning whole shows on CD when that
became economically feasible. These
were simply thrown away after airing.
As the Island gets closer suddenly this
enormous 7th Wonder of the World comes
into focus at the entrance to Avalon Bay,
slowly getting larger and larger. Such an
odd place, on an Island for such an
amazing structure. But that’s where
chewing gum magnate William Wrigley
built his Casino, in 1929.
The view UP the Island towards 2 Harbors
(where Natalie Wood drowned) and so
many movies have been filmed. Then
entering the harbor of a tiny quaint seaport
village .. magically called .. Avalon. Jay
Beckenstein of Spyro Gyra said on his first
arrival in ’87…almost a feel of a mini Monte
Carlo.
Now when I’m finished completing a
JazzTrax Show in my studio (on my
computer), I simply click, or actually drag,
and it all uploads to some magical place in
the sky, actually I think a computer in
Agoura, CA, and our affiliates click, and
download it from there. Nothing is mailed
any longer. No wonder the postal service
is going broke.
Next realizing you can walk to Everything.
The primary mode of transport for All the
locals .. Golf Carts! By the way a brand
new mayor welcomes you. She is Anni
Marshall who once upon a time signed my
marriage certificate because I got married
on this Island.
Anni’s husband Billy
Delbert managed this Casino and Ballroom
for a couple decades until retirement a few
years ago and remains an excellent friend.
For JazzTrax Streaming, the way most of
you listen to our weekly show, available
24/7 at www.JazzTrax.com, I upload to a
place in Vancouver, Washington. You
stream it from there. Oddly enough driving
back from Seattle to Palm Springs in
August, I was just about to cross the
Columbia River at Portland on I-205 and
realized I was literally at the offramp to our
streaming company. When a ROCK hit
the windshield of my brand new car forcing
me to replace the windshield when I got
home. Someday maybe we’ll simply
download new windshields when we get
such streaking cracks.
So it’s October again where each Fall since
1987 Catalina Island has become the
Center of the Smooth Jazz Universe. It’s
first Magic, the ocean air and open Pacific
Ocean as your Catalina Express boat
leaves the Mainland Ports for a refreshing
hour Westward crossing to the Island.
Sometimes dolphins dancing around your
boat. Sea Gulls hoping you’ll lose some
crumbs off your snack. Once, honest to
god, the boat I was on in, stopped to watch
a whale breaching.
Avalon’s Brand New Mayor Anni Marshall
Suddenly you’re on an Island surrounded
by sea but with great restaurants. Many
Brand New as Avalon has the past few
years gone through a renaissance in new
restaurants including The Avalon Grille,
just last year the BlueWater Avalon, just
this Summer, Maggie’s Blue Rose,
Mexican Fare and Margaritas.
In August Sunset Magazine’s national poll
placed Catalina Island No. 17 of the
WEST’S 20 BEST ISLANDS, with Avalon
and the Casino, on its August cover. It’s
description, 4.096 permanent residents
where “THE VIBE is A Jazz Age fantasy
come to life, 22 miles out at sea from Los
Angeles. Avalon, maintaining a movie-set
quality, down to the golf carts that whiz past
instead of cars. Descanso Beach now with
Wi Fi-equipped cabanas. Newest Island
feature Heli-Biking and Heli-Hiking
packages.
Such history and such hollywood here.
Before she was Marilyn Monroe (Norma
Jean Baker) at age 16 spent a year living in
Avalon. Spencer Davis lives here full time.
Stevie Winfield was lead singer of The
Spencer Davis Group when they hit big
with Spencer’s composition "Gimme Some
Lovin’".
General George Patton, before leading
U.S. troops to victory in Europe in World
War II, often wandered the streets here as
a child while growing up in nearby
Pasadena. In the early 1900’s the Patton’s
owned a 2nd home in Avalon on what was
then termed “fashionable Catalina Island.”
His father the district attorney for the then
“little town of Los Angeles,” who donated
much of the land for the new downtown of
Pasadena. The Wrigleys first West Coast
mansion was in Pasadena (now the
headquarters for the Tournament of Roses
Parade) thus the Wrigleys (owners of
Catalina Island) and Pattons were likely
society friends.
But you know this Island from your many
years coming to JazzTrax. Many have long
added an extra day to their stay, before or
after the weekend knowing what’s here
continued on page 21
JAZZTRAX 2014
JazzTrax Creator & Producer,
Art Good
Production Manager & Stage Director,
Gregg Hudson
Box Office and Ticket Manager,
Cristina Gorka
Director of Security,
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR 2015
Jack Tolofogo
Merchandise Store Manager, Mary Tolofogo
Ballroom/Stage Audio, U.S. Audio
Ballroom Lighting, Pacific Coast Entertainment
Festival Photographs, Pat Benter
Festival Program Graphic Designer, Michael Massoud
**OCTOBER 8-11
**OCTOBER 15-18
2
The Performers notes by Art Good
Nightly GREEN PIER LATE NIGHT JAZZ ZONE
Avalon Grille - Maggie’s Blue Rose - Catalina Island Brew House OPEN LATE
4
5
HUNGRY? Use your Smart Phone and visit our Hungr y Page at JazzTrax.com
2015 Pre Ticket Order Forms Need Postmarked by this November 1st
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7
Be 1st to Know 2015 Artists Leave Your E-Mail Address Homepage JazzTrax.com
smooth jazz? contemporary jazz?
it’s Catalina Jazz
Rick Braun
Jonathan Butler
Steve Cole
Jackiem Joyner
Yellowjackets
enjoy Rick perform with Jazz Attack
Saturday the 11th
mackavenue.com
available at itunes.com/mackavenue
JENNIFER KEITH QUINTET vocals band
Friday Evening 1st on Avalon Ballroom October 17
Her newest album release in July tells all regarding the era from which she
specializes. ‘Live Aboard the Queen Mary’ in the style of Classic American Music
from the 40’s through the 50’s. Recorded LIVE on the beautiful historic Queen
Mary anchored in Long Beach since the 70’s. Jennifer and tenor saxophonist and
co-founder of Royal Crown Revue, Mando Dorame both were part of the Revue.
The band credited for reviving the swing movement in the 1990’s. The Revue was
featured in “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” and the motion picture ‘The Mask”
starring Jim Carrey. Jennifer herself a descendent of a long line of entertainers that
began with her Great Great Grandfather B.F. Keith, the “K” in RKO Pictures, one of
the Big Five studios of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Described as “a pinup doll with a
voice reminiscent of Peggy Lee meets Julie London meets June Christy meets
Patsy Cline.” Where Lounge meets Pin-up.” A regular headliner in Vegas and often
in Los Angeles at Cicada Club. In Vegas where tube dresses and vodka Red Bulls
are swapped for silk skirts and gin martinis according to the Las Vegas Sun,
Jennifer and Quintet continuously stop casino foot traffic as People Love the Visual
which she gives. While reinterpreting the standards of the 30’s through the 60’s
with sass and bravado. A perfect fit for our 1929 Island Ballroom.
WARREN HILL sax
Sunday Afternoon 2nd on
Avalon Ballroom October 19
Born in the Canadian 60’s in Toronto. A teen-age guitarist playing in his own rock
band. As an “A” student in math and physics accepted into the prestigious program
of Engineering Science at the University of Toronto but the studies so demanding it
cut his music playing down to just once a week. Applying for Berklee College of Music
in Boston he received a full scholarship, completely flipping his career decision.
Performing at his own graduation, record producer Russ Titelman in the audience,
hired Warren on the spot to record 2 solos on Chaka Khan’s “CK”. Heading from
Boston to Los Angeles he was spotted again by the famous Artist Director at Atlantic
Records, Ahmet Ertegun who offered Warren his 1st record contract. After 8 months
composing and preparing to make that debut record, before he could even step foot
in a recording studio, due to sudden cutbacks at the label he was shut down and the
deal was pulled. Warren pounded the Hollywood pavement finding a home with RCA
Records. His 1991 debut caught the attention of Natalie Cole who signed him to be
her opening act on the “Unforgettable” Tour in front of 250,000 people in 2 months!
including 3 nights at Radio City Music Hall. 11 solo projects later Warren is also doing
his Daughter’s thing. Olivia, age 14 as“Olivia Rox” a singer/songwriter with over 200
songs composed since the age of 4. Warren is currently working on a new CD and
on his daughter’s CD and on his daughter’s next film.
MARC ANTOINE french classical guitar
Sunday Afternoon 2nd on with Brian Simpson
Avalon Ballroom Oct 12
This Frenchman gives JazzTrax and this Ballroom stage credit for being his first major
stage appearance in 1994. Born in Paris early 60’s. In his 20’s moving cross channel
to London taking part in the budding London Acid Jazz scene and then to play in the
original BASIA band. Her U.S. stage debut in 1988 at Humphrey’s Concerts in San
Diego I introduced that night as Humphrey’s concert host and on that 1st Basia’s tour it
wasn’t Peter White yet on guitar but Marc. Moving on to Tokyo briefly before taking his
most definitive career geographical move, to a 12 year stay in Los Angeles beginning
early 90’s. His solo debut, 1994’s ‘Classical Soul.’ It’s radio hit, “Unity.” 1995’s ‘Urban
Gypsy’ his 2nd, included his signature song, “Latin Quarter.” Earning him Radio &
Records Best New Artist of the Year honors. Next earning the 1998 JazzTrax Song of
the Year ‘Sunland’ and JazzTrax Album of the Year ’ Madrid.’ While winning the Gavin
Convention honor of Best Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. Early 00’s The Antoine’s with
young son Alessandro left America for wife Rebecah’s hometown of Madrid. From
Spain Marc has constantly crossed the Atlantic to continue playing his music where he
is most popular, in America with rumors the Antoine’s might be moving back to Southern
California soon. 2012’s ‘Guitar Destiny’ remains his most recent release.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR 2015
**OCTOBER 8-11
**OCTOBER 15-18
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CHRIS STANDRING guitar
Sunday Afternoon 1st on
Avalon Ballroom Oct 12
British having been born early 60’s in Buckinghamshire, England, on a
dairy farm. Solo debut 1997. Just 3 years later honored for his ‘Hip
Sway’ project as 2000’s JazzTrax Album of the Year. Thus honored
again for 2010 JazzTrax Album of the Year for his orchestral smooth jazz
approach with STRINGS on ‘Blue Bolero’ which he performed with
String Section, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello here on Catalina Island. Holding
claim to 3 No. 1 songs having just added “Sneakin’ Out the Front Door”
this past Spring from his new 2014 cd ‘Don’t Talk, Dance!’ Claims he
amped up to 120 bpm on most of the project’s cuts. Going deep into his
love for Euro-styled drum/bass driven chill, progressive dance music,
ambient trance, electronic dance music and some dub step. His
constant redefining of this genre’s creative boundaries comes because
.. he gets bored with himself.
All coming off a “snap” moment in
production where something sends him and the song “off to the races.”
He loves sharp left turns.
NICK COLIONNE guitar vocals
Friday Evening 2nd on Avalon Ballroom October 10
Such a fun find in the mid 00’s. So much Sound and PERSONALITY.
He was still a local Chicago musician just waiting to be found. Priming to
make his step onto the National Smooth Jazz Scene. True Chicago
where he’s spent his entire life, except when he skips town in the wee
morning hours, before daylight to hit his favorite lake in NorthEast
Illinois. FISHING is his passion after music and maybe before music.
Claims he sits waiting for the call telling him he has a Catalina Island
date because it means beyond the stage appearance he can do some
Ocean Fishing off the Avalon Pier. Jazz and Blues and Vocals and great
Dry Humor. In his personal life he’s received the Wayman Tisdale
Humanitarian Award for his ongoing commitment to mentoring children
and his community and national work in support of breast cancer
causes. In his 18th year mentoring kids at the St. Laurence K-8 School
in suburban Elgin, IL. And bringing brand new tunes from his 2014
Spring release ‘Influences.’
ANDY ALLO vocals guitar
Friday Evening 1st on Avalon Ballroom October 10
You Tube is where we spotted her. “People Pleaser” and “If I Was a
King.” Backed by an incredible horn section including Maceo Parker &
Trombone Shorty. So we’re kind’ve spinning the bottle as she’ll appear
simple as a Jazz Trio. But she’s gotten over 2 million You Tube Views!
Born in Bamenda, Northwest Region, Cameroon. She is a singersongwriter, guitarist, pianist, model AND actress. Starring this Summer
in a Wells Fargo Bank commercial which aired repeatedly in Summer’s
NHL playoffs. Andy playing herself as a rising guitarist albeit using a
made up name. In the commercial she is SYDNEY. She’s been on
ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Owning dual U.S. / Cameroon citizenship
having moved to Sacramento in 2000 at age 11. Following high school
with her own band, Allo and the Traffic Jam, she performed for tips on
the corner of 22nd and J streets. Her first known solo gig appearance
at Open Mic night, 2008, at the Fox & Goose Public House downtown
Sac. 1st solo album, 2009 led her to a role as a singer/guitarist in
Prince’s 2011 band, The New Power Generation. Prince collaborated on
3 songs on her 2012 ’Superconductor’ CD.
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Nightly GREEN PIER LATE NIGHT JAZZ ZONE
Avalon Grille - Maggie’s Blue Rose - Catalina Island Brew House OPEN LATE
Luau Larry’s
Where the Bar Meets the Bay!
Friday & Sat. Nights
LIVE MUSIC
Breakfast Buffet
All you can eat - 8am - 12pm
Saturday & Sunday
BRIAN SIMPSON keys
Sunday Afternoon 2nd on with Marc Antoine
Avalon Ballroom October 12
Native Gurnee, Illinois. Graduate of Northern Illinois University before coming to the L A music
scene. His hidden fact. He wrote a chart topping #1 R&B hit in 1991 for the group Surface, “The
First Time.” His solo career kicked in briefly in ’95 and then he set it aside becoming Music Director
for Dave Koz. Position he’s held ever since. His 2nd solo project would be thus delayed for a
decade. 2005’s ‘It’s All Good’ gave him his own 1st No. l song. Also Music Director for the annual
Smooth Jazz Cruises in the Caribbean. Organizing the ego’s and tunes of a multitude of smooth
jazz superstars for nightly performances at Sea. He knows how to satisfy smooth jazz sailing souls
with the talents of all star artists surrounding his keyboards as the giant ships ply the exotic ocean
seas and Mediterranean Islands. Brian’s most recent CD 2013’s ‘Just What You Need.’
DOTSERO band sax guitar
Sunday Afternoon 1st on Avalon Ballroom October 19
The JazzTrax Festival has been internationally flavored since it’s inception in 1987. About the
only place we haven’t pulled an artist from is Pakistan and I tried even that (The Sachal Studios
Orchestra). But this band is the one that brings the mile high flavor of the Rocky Mountains.
They are the jazzical heart of Denver. Their name taken from a small mountain town even higher
up in the Rockies of Colorado. DOTSERO means “Something Unique” and there’s a sign for the
town off I-70 headed for Vail. DOTSERO is listed on some of the earliest geographical railroad
maps Westward Bound. Launching in 1990 they uphold the smooth jazz standard in Denver with
their very own ‘Jazz at Jacks’ Jazz Club. They call it Home Base and yes they are Colorado
Rockies fans. Dotsero is ownership and serves as house band for whomever they bring in.
Dotsero is forever led by brothers Stephen Watts on sax and David Watts on guitar.
JUMAANE SMITH trumpet
Sunday Evening 1st on Avalon Ballroom October 12
Even as he has traveled the world with Michael Bublé, played stages in massive stadiums, appeared on
national television and performed for two sitting U.S. presidents, Jumaane has as of Jan. now recorded
his 1st cd “I Only Have Eyes For You.” He’s worked his trumpet with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Alicia
Keys, The Jonas Brothers, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, Wynton Marsalis, and his primary boss Michael
Bublé . It began age 16 as a member of the Roosevelt High School Jazz Band performing at the
Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. In 2003 for George W. Bush in the East Room of the White House.
In 2005, still early 20’s invited to audition for Michael Bublé’s band. 9 years later he continues as part of
the Bublé family. Playing the Grammy’s with Stevie Wonder, recording “As I Am” with Alicia Keys.
Recordings he’s appeared on have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, garnered 4 Grammy
Nominations, earned 3 Grammy wins. TV shows he’s appeared on total an audience of around 100
million viewers. Whole New World going solo after a lifetime of learning from an all-star mentorship.
VINCENT INGALA sax
Saturday Afternoon 1st on
Avalon Ballroom October 18
I’d heard about this young man clear back to when he was 17. People kept preaching’ him. Suddenly
2 years ago when Jessy J pulled from Sax and the City’s Catalina Island date the agent asked if I
wanted to just take a reduction in price. 2 all stars instead of 3. Tempted but I replied, off the top of my
head, “Could you get this young teen-age saxophonist Vincent Ingala to replace her. Vincent stole the
show. 2012’s ‘Can’t Stop Now’ earned him 2 Top 5 singles and 1st No. 1 song. Just 2 months ago he
left his hometown, Prospect, Connecticut, just 20 miles from the now infamous Newtown, CT. I sat with
his mom at Thornton Winery after he’d led on for Al Jarreau. She had that week moved her “only child”
out to LA and was returning now wistfully empty-nested back to Connecticut. Vincent will be The new
Sunday Brunch Weekly Host in the new Dave Koz Lounge, each Sunday at the brand new Spaghettini
Beverly Hills as he lands permanently in Los Angeles!
MARCUS ANDERSON saxophone
Saturday Afternoon 1st on Avalon Ballroom October 11
‘Style Meets Substance’ released late Winter marks the 5th solo cd for this young saxophonist hailing from
Roebuck, South Carolina then to North Carolina Central University next to Durham and then the Raleigh
suburb of Cary. Now well planted for a number of years in the ‘Dream” gig of any musician. Saxophonist
in the horn section of PRINCE The New Power Generation. Fellow Prince horn players are featured
collaborators on Marcus newest solo project. His new song “Paisley Red” inspired by working with Prince
which he describes as “if I’m in grad school, business classes, and etiquette school all wrapped into one,
thank you Paisley University!” I spotted him a few years ago while searching for someone unknown to
book. Noticing he had captured the Capital Jazz Fest Challenge. He juggles his solo dates with touring
the world with Prince. occasional sub-in with “The Sax Pack” alongside Jeff Kashiwa and Steve Cole.
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STREAMING JAZZTRAX 24/7 from Anywhere in the World on-line at JazzTrax.com
JOSH VIETTI violin
Saturday Evening 1st on
Avalon Ballroom October 18
My ears spotted this young LA instrumentalist while jogging the desert golf trails, headphones tied
to Pandora. It was Josh version of Vanessa Carlton’s 2002 hit “A Thousand Miles” that stopped
me dead in my jogging tracks. Christmas 2012 named one of Los Angeles Best Breakout Music
Acts of the year by CBS-TV. Termed a Hip-Hop Violinist who incorporates country, pop, jazz and
classical music styles into his repertoire. Nobody does all that. Playing violin from age 4. Training
with Mischa Lefkowitz for 10 years earning a violin scholarship with the LA Philharmonic. But get
this. Josh was discovered as a Street Musician on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
Reportedly selling nearly 50,000 demo CDs on the street from the trunk of his car!
LEBRON sax with GENERATION neXt
Friday Evening 2nd on Avalon Ballroom October 17
Time has certainly passed as this young man’s interest in music came one night when his Dad had
bought tickets to an Earl Klugh concert. His father suddenly unable to make the show, his mom took
LeBron in Dad’s place….age 12. It wasn’t Earl Klugh but Earl’s sax player who blew LeBron away
thus igniting his passion on this instrument. Then next he grabbed an old tenor saxophone from his
Dad’s closet and started teaching himself. His dad had played sax as a way of paying his way through
college. Growing up in Arizona he studied under Hugh Lovelady, the lead alto player for Frank
Sinatra’s band. His debut album is ‘Shades’. After appearing here a year ago as a band member he
arrives this year as a member of this fresh new young all star band Generation neXt.
LIN ROUNTREE trumpet with GENERATION neXt
Friday Evening 2nd on Avalon Ballroom October 17
The spicy new, young all star group Generation neXt finally brings this Soul-Trumpeter to the Island.
I like the way this sounds … “emerging from the ‘new’ Detroit music factory.” Originally from
Alexandria, Virginia. From there heading South to Florida. Recruited by the Florida A&M University
music program and the famed Marching 100’ in Tallahassee. Next landing in Detroit hitting the music
scene hard there in the Motor City learning from Detroit musicians. Forming his own working group
‘Up Close.’ For 6 years as band-leader working the tough Detroit club circuit. In 2012 appearing in
the film ’Sparkle’ starring Whitney Houston. His newest release ’Serendipitous’ released on CutMore
Records, just one year ago this fall.
NICHOLAS COLE keys with GENERATION neXt
Friday Evening 2nd on Avalon Ballroom October 17
Goldsboro, North Carolina population 36,437 says it all as hometown where Nicholas as he just
cleared age 20 was still living at home. As a teen and still playing piano and organ since age 4 at
Mt. Zion Church Ministires he was already signed to the international record label Trippin’ N Rhythm
Records. His Dad having executive produced Nicholas solo debut in their home studio AT AGE 17.
Having already appeared twice with his band at JazzTrax, Nicholas arrives this Fall within the
youngest smooth jazz all star band out there, Generation neXt. With plans to attend Berklee School
of Music in Boston but miles ahead of his classmates having already 2 albums under his belt. Ahead
of reaching age 20 already a veteran of such renowned festival stages as this one and others.
GREG MANNING keys
Sunday Evening 1st on
Avalon Ballroom October 19
Talk about international flavor. Greg grew up in Zurich, Switzerland. He is Swiss-American. Beginning
piano at age 12. Moving to the U.S. in later teen years attending, like so many other smoothers Berklee
College of Music in Boston, walking distance from Fenway Park. I know, I’ve walked it. He was asked
to compose the music for “Keep Cool”, the most successful and longest running German language
musical. Which led him back to Zurich where he continued composing and producing for records and
television. Then married he and wife moved back to the U.S. permanently with Greg winding up on the
Brian McKnight 2000 ‘Back at One Tour’. Also touring for nearly a decade as keyboardist/music
director in Jonathan Butler’s band. From ’03 to ’07 acting as Music Director for MusicStar, the Swiss
version of American Idol. His debut album, ‘The Calling’ coming in 2010. He also scored the complete
sound design for “Kampf der Chore,” which aired on Swiss TV in 2010 as well as scoring music for 3
weekly shows on Swiss national TV. This year signed as the very first artist on Maurice White (Earth,
Wind and Fire) new Kalimba Music Label. ‘Dance With You’ was released in July.
2015 Full Series Tickets On Sale this Thanksgiving Weekend on-line JazzTrax.com
16
JazzTrax.com
Producer’s Notes continued from page 2
“beyond The Jazz.” Inland Island Tours by
Bus or Jeep. Scuba and Snorkeling.
Fishing off a pier or deep sea around the
Island. Golf where Howard Hughes and
Katherine Hepburn once played at the
Catalina Country Club next to the Field of
Dreams where the Chicago Cubs held
spring training through the 40’s and 50’s.
First run movies in the Casino’s historic
1929 movie theater. Descanso Beach Club
where the Zip Line concludes it’s
unbelievable ZIP DOWN the mountain.
Where the JazzTrax Thursday Night
Unplugged Concerts are held. Where no
ticket is required to dance at midnight ON
an Island beach at the Saturday Night
JazzTrax AfterParties. The Beach Bar
rocking all year long and with Kayak
rentals enticing one to get a little ocean
exercise in.
The JazzTrax Festival since 1987. In 1991
expanding to 2 weekends. In 1999 to 3.
This Fall our first, dialed back, to Two
October Weekends. A fix we should have
done after the 2009 recession. I thank you
for adjusting with us which you obviously
did gauging by our anticipated Opening
Weekend Sell-Out. Our consolidation now
has this Fall Festival properly aligned to
continue another 10 years. This is the New
OCTOBER going forward.
In ALL the World
No Place like this …
In ALL the World
No Jazz Festival like this …
art good
Originator and Producer of JazzTrax
N E W F RO M C O N C O R D M U S I C G RO U P
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS
MINDI ABAIR
PETER WHITE
The 25th of December
Wild Heart
Smile
Celebrate the holidays with the famed
saxophonist and his all-new album,
featuring an amazing array of special guests...
The powerhouse saxophonist/vocalist is
back with a little more rock ‘n’ roll, a little
more soul…and a lot more abandon!
Features special guests…
The famed smooth jazz and jazz fusion
guitarist presents this exciting 10-track
collection of personally written,
all-new material, with guests...
JONATHAN BUTLER, GLORIA ESTEFAN
GREGG ALLMAN, JOE PERRY
MINDI ABAIR
FANTASIA , KENNY G
BOOKER T, KEB’ MO’
RICK BRAUN
HEATHER HEADLEY, RICHARD MARX
TROMBONE SHORTY
EUGE GROOVE
JOHNNY MATHIS, MAYSA
MAX WEINBERG
AND MORE
TROMBONE SHORTY, BEBE WINANS
WADDY WACHTEL
STEVIE WONDER
AND OTHERS
INDIA .ARIE, ERIC BENÉT
All titles now available at