New York bassist Zack Lober explores his family and musical roots in the Canadian Jazz Mecca Montreal. As far as Zack can remember, his grandfather Hyman Herman has nonchalantly brushed off serious talk about music, only recently opening up to Zack about his own noted past as a professional musician, and the influential sidemen with whom he has shared the stage.

A band leader and drummer, Hyman Herman was at the helm of a working Jazz big band for decades, and lead numerous small ensembles during the heyday of Montreal Jazz in the 40′s and ’50′s. Story by story, Herman’s encounters with Jazz icons like Paul Blay and Maynard Ferguson have been revealed to Zack, his anecdotes inspiring the grandson to write and produce the unique multi-media performance ‘The Ancestry Project’.

The show is built around lengthy interviews with the elder artist, and Herman’s recorded testimony is brilliantly manipulated and developed by the young bassist. Hip Hop DJ styles converge with electric funk and heartfelt contemporary Jazz to create a novel artistic treatment of the immigrant story.

In this film Zack and his grandfather discuss the younger musician’s show, and Herman reveals his true feelings about Zack’s homage.

Featuring Zack Lober & Hyman Herman

Filmed live at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts Montreal Canada, February 21, 2013

Zack Lober – Bass, Turntables
David Binney – Alto Saxophone
Chet Doxas – Tenor Saxophone
John Escreet – Piano
Damion Reid – Drums

Alice Zulkarnain – Video Projection
Paul Johnston – Audio Engineering
Randy Cole & Caroh – Cinematography
Film Directed & Edited by Randy Cole

Zack Lober Bookings & Contact:
zack@zacklober.com

STOCKHOLM—

Detroit native Karriem Riggins will perform back-to-back shows in Sweden ( May 23rd Fasching, May 24th Nefertiti) in Stockholm and Gothenburg this week.

Karriem Riggins performs at Fasching Jazz Club on May 23rd/Neffertiti May 24th

Riggins who turned his love into a profession, moving from Detroit to New York City in 1994 at the age of 19,  played drums in Betty Carter’s band “Jazz Ahead.” Riggins went on to perform with and appear on recordings with various jazz greats such as Hank Jones, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd, Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson, Kenny Burrell, Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter, Gary Bartz and Diana Krall.

He has produced album tracks for Common, Slum Village, The Roots, and Erykah Badu. He’s toured with Common three times, and produced his “Play Your Cards Right” for Paramount Picture’s feature film “Smoking Aces.” He helped Kanye West demo some theme songs for “Mission Impossible III” featuring Twista and Keyshia Cole. One of Karriem’s most personal and esteemed projects was finishing and producing J Dilla’s last project, “The Shining.” Karriem released his first self-titled album, “Music Kaleidoscope.”

More information:

www.karriemriggins.com
www.myspace.com/karriemriggins
Spotify; Karriem Riggins “Alone Together”

http://www.fasching.se/artister/karriem-riggins-us#.UZYjWSv88Vk

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Raheem DeVaughn recent track featuring  Boney James   “Maker of Love ” has become a fan favorite and the lead single off James latest album The Beat. It’s smooth sound is easy on the ear of jazz jazz and music lovers.

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STOCKHOLM–
Check out JK3 performing “Dirty” Live at Stockholm Concert Hall, November 2012. The video was  Directed and Edited by Schiaffino Musarra,
Produced by Dan Sermand.

Jacob Karlzon 3
Jacob Karlzon – piano, keys
Hans Andersson – bass
Robert Mehmet Ikiz – drums

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twitter@woodlawnpost

DETROIT—

Singing sensation Anita Baker performed her makeover to Tyrese’s  Grammy nominated single  “Lately” on Jimmy Kimmel. The Detroit raised Baker, also performed “Same Ole Love” from her 1986 LP release Rapture.

Malmö–

Music lovers across the world, here is the official video to JK3′s “Running.”  The song is featured the “More” album on Act records. JK3 consists of  Jacob Karlzon  (piano) Hans Andersson ( bass) and Robert Mehmet Ikiz – (drums). The video was filmed by Mikael Silkeberg.

www.jacobkarlzon.com

www.ikiz.se

twitter@woodlawnpost

NEW YORK, NY — Lyric Culture (PINKSHEETS: LYJN), the music inspired lifestyle brand driven by the lyrics of legendary musical artists, has announced the launch of its new Jimi Hendrix men’s collection, exclusively at Bloomingdale’s nationwide. With input from Experience Hendrix, LLC, the family-owned company whose mission is to preserve and protect the musical legacy of Jimi Hendrix, Lyric Culture created exclusive designs featuring the lyrics to Jimi Hendrix’s most celebrated songs along with imagery of the music legend, named the Greatest Guitar Player of All Time by Rolling Stone. The collection of graphic screen print tees, scarves, men’s dress shirts, hoodies and cuff links (retail $48-$98) will hit the floor at Bloomingdale’s stores in early November coinciding with what would have been Hendrix’s 70^th birthday this month.

An interactive kiosk on loan from Seattle’s Experience Music Project permanent Jimi Hendrix exhibit, will offer viewers in the landmark Manhattan store an opportunity to see the source of Jimi’s handwritten lyrics, the inspiration behind the Lyric Culture’s Hendrix collection.

Bloomingdale’s 59^th Street, as well as all other Bloomindales locations, nationwide, will also offer original Jimi Hendrix recordings that have been released by Experience Hendrix through its partnership with Sony’s Legacy division. Titles include Valleys of Neptune, Axis: Bold As Love, Are You Experienced, Electric Ladyland, and many others in CD and LP formats.

In conjunction with Lyric Culture’s ‘shop in shop’ launch at Bloomingdale’s Manhattan flagship on 59th Street, Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC and sister of Jim Hendrix, will be signing copies of Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book, just published by Backbeat Books on Thursday, November 8 from 6 to 8 PM. The book, which Janie compiled, contains the words to all the Hendrix classics fans have rocked along to for years as well as unpublished songs from previously undiscovered sources. This personal collection includes numerous examples of Jimi’s lyrics, and photos — many never before published — accompany every song. Music Radar called Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book “a fascinating visual examination…” The combination of the Lyric Culture collection, the original Hendrix music catalog and the Ultimate Lyric Book represents a first in terms of aggregating such a vast array of Hendrix-branded products under one roof.

An appearance by Billy Cox, the bassist who worked with Jimi Hendrix in concert and in the studio as part of both Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsys and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, will be a highlight of the November 8 session. Billy Cox met Jimi Hendrix when both were serving the US Army and became fast friends thereafter, playing the southern ‘chitlin’ circuit’ together before Hendrix departed for England on the road to stardom. Billy will be joined by guitarist Eric Gales who, along with Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Cox, has performed for audiences nationwide as part of the annual Experience Hendrix tribute concert tour. Gales, like Hendrix before him, is a blues-based guitarist who is left-handed and plays his instrument upside down.

Janie Hendrix commented, “We’re delighted to partner with Lyric Culture to launch this line of Jimi Hendrix apparel and jewelry. Jimi’s words, music and handwriting have been cherished by so many for so long and this underscores how resonant his art has been all this while and, certainly into the future.”

“We are honored to celebrate the 70^th birthday of Jimi Hendrix with a new Lyric Culture men’s fashion collection inspired by the fearless and innovative lyrics of one of rock music’s most influential artists,” said Hanna Rochelle, founder of Lyric Culture. ”His legendary style and iconic music is integrated into every design. Some pieces even include Jimi’s actual handwritten lyrics incorporated into the fabric prints,” she continued.

Following his appearing at the Bloomingdale’s Lyric Culture launch, Billy Cox will remain in New York to perform at iridium Jazz Club on Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11 with two shows per night. Billed as Billy Cox Band of Gypsys, he’ll be joined by Eric Gales, Andy Aledort and Billy Idol Band veteran Steve Stevens. Reservations: http://theiridium.com/reservations/

Follow Lyric Culture at www.facebook.com/lyricculture, www.twitter.com/lyricculture and www.lyricculture.com.

Be sure to follow Bloomingdale’s on Facebook or Twitter, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com.

About Experience Hendrix L.L.C.
Founded by James ‘Al’ Hendrix, Jimi’s father, in 1995, Experience Hendrix, has been managed since its inception by the family members handpicked by Al during his tenure as Chairman. It is the official family company charged with managing the music, name, image and likeness of Jimi Hendrix. As a part of their daily operations, Experience Hendrix and Authentic Hendrix oversee Jimi’s timeless legacy on a worldwide basis.

More information about Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Lyric Book, edited by Janie L. Hendrix: www.jimihendrixlyricbook.com.

The Sacred Music of Duke Ellington

Top flight talent that promises an unforgettable evening.

Last year’s concert in Vancouver was described as “grace-filled” and “spectacular”. A sold out audience of over 1100 people was mesmerized by the depth of talent of the performers as they were treated to a magnificent, soulful performance of the Sacred Music of Duke Ellington.

Dee Daniels Performs Duke Ellington's Music

Duke Ellington is best remembered as perhaps the finest and most influential composer in the history of American jazz. He was also a man of deep spiritual convictions. Late in his career, he wrote three programs of inspirational music between 1965 and 1973 that blended his peerless tonal artistry with the celebratory energy of classic gospel music. Ellington’s last sacred concert was performed only seven months before his death, and although very ill, he gave an inspiring performance of his sacred music classics.

Dee Daniels (www.deedaniels.com), internationally renowned jazz singer says, “It has been my dream to bring this great music to Victoria for a very long time. With the help of a group of extremely talented musicians and performers, along with co-presenters Victoria Jazz Society and Our Place Society, this dream will finally come true. It’s wonderful to be able to present Ellington’s inspiring music again this year. In March of 1973, I had the incredible opportunity to meet The Duke just months before the premiere of the Third Sacred Music Concert. Having had that experience adds to the special significance of sharing his music.”

About Our Place Society www.ourplacesociety.com

Event: Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music

Date: Saturday, November 10^th, 2012 at 8 p.m.

Location: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. (at Quadra Street)

Tickets & Info: Ditch Records, 784 Fort Street – Lyles Place – 770 Yates Street

Online at www.eventbrite.com or by calling 250-388-7112 Ext 259

DETROIT – Join us on the red carpet for the world premiere of the documentary The Rebirth of Paradise Valley, followed by a spectacular jazz concert featuring Ronnie Laws and Tom Browne on November 24th 2012!

There are two performances, with the documentary showing at both:

Red Carpet Premiere
6:00 PM (doors at 4:00 PM)

Late Evening Performance
8:30 PM

Title: Jazz Greats Ronnie Laws & Tom Browne in Concert + The Rebirth of Paradise Valley Film PremiereWhen:Sat, Nov 24  4:00 PM – 11:30 PMWhere: General Motors Theater –  315 Warren Ave. E Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI, 48201

Detroit Category: Concert

Please click here or on the image below to purchase tickets!

Charleston will showcase new songs from the upcoming album, a wonderfully creative mix of original compositions mined from her own remarkable life experience and re-imagined jazz standards, during a special one-night-only Live performance on Thursday, September 27^th at Joe’s Pub, one of New York City’s most intimate venues. This performance follows her 2011 sold-out show there.

“In this world full of difficult situations and constant challenges to our very existence, I’ve been actively looking for uplifting signs of life that we can all relate to — things that give us insight and inspiration,” Charleston said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to give our amazing audience a sneak peak at this new material.”
Rondi’s All-Star Band for the Joe’s Pub gig will include Brandon McCune on piano, Ed Howard on bass, Clarence Penn on drums, Mayra Casales on percussion and guitarist/Musical Director, Dave Stryker.

Additionally, “The Cave Knows,” a new song Charleston crafted with Fred Hersch, dubbed by Vanity Fair “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade…” was created for and inspired by the remarkable story of hope, determination and survival told in the new documentary film NO PLACE ON EARTH. A riveting true story of 38 Ukrainian Jews who survived World War II by living in underground caves for 18 months, the film premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival on September 10^th.

“The Cave Knows” is a haunting song reflecting the determination, struggle, and triumph of these heroic survivors — taking the listener through the experience — from tears of sorrow to cheers of joy.

A native of Chicago’s Hyde Park, Charleston grew up in a home filled with music — her father was an English professor and jazz enthusiast, while her mother sang and taught voice. She met legendary composer and bandleader Duke Ellington at age six and always knew instinctively that music would be a major part of her life. After graduating Juilliard with a BM and MM in music, she studied journalism at NYU, going on to work as a producer with Diane Sawyer at ABC’s PrimeTime Live, contributing to stories that won her Emmy and Peabody Awards.

Charleston’s training as a journalist strengthened her storytelling skills, something her audiences and critics continue to connect with enthusiastically. Praised by Hot House Magazine for “the most memorable new songs to come from a jazz singer since Abbey Lincoln,” she has integrated her journalistic and musical skills and emerged as a gifted storyteller of indelibly poignant and authentic themes drawn from her own real life experiences, which reverberate with a wide and diverse audience. Downbeat Magazine raves, “Rondi Charleston is one of those rare artists for whom a song’s meaning is as important as its melody. Her personal, thought-provoking, original songs slow the heartbeat and raise the mental senses with a documentarian’s acuity.”